The Council meeting saw the appointment of Councillor David Leaf as the new Leader of the Council until the annual meeting in May 2026. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reflecting on Baroness O'Neill of Bexley OBE's 17-year tenure as Leader and the achievements of the council under her leadership, alongside discussions on various council services and future plans.

Leader's Report and Farewell to Baroness O'Neill

The meeting began with a minute's silence to remember former councillor Colin Tandy. The Council then moved to Agenda Item 8, the Report of the Leader of the Council, which served as a significant reflection on Baroness O'Neill of Bexley OBE's 17 years as Leader. She highlighted numerous achievements during her leadership, including improvements in health and social care services, significant investments in education and school provision, and a strong focus on housing and regeneration projects across the borough. Baroness O'Neill also spoke about the council's efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, its commitment to protecting public spaces, and its role in championing local people. She announced her intention to focus on her role in the House of Lords, expressing pride in the council's achievements and its foundations for future growth.

Several councillors paid tribute to Baroness O'Neill's service, acknowledging her dedication, resilience, and vision. Councillor Peter Craske highlighted her proactive approach to creating opportunities and her role in delivering numerous successful projects, including community libraries, new schools, and playgrounds. Councillor Stefano Borella, Leader of the Labour Group, also paid tribute to her hard work, while also raising points of contention regarding housing delivery and the council's corporate plan. Councillor Chris Taylor praised her leadership in children and families services, and Councillor Mrs June Slaughter MBE presented her with flowers on behalf of the councillors.

The report also detailed the council's Transformation Programme, aimed at tackling rising costs and improving services through innovation and efficiency. Key areas of focus include customer experience, children's services, commercial income, workforce development, and digital systems. The report also highlighted the new Libraries Strategy, the regeneration of Erith Town Centre, and updates on transport initiatives, including the proposed DLR extension and the Superloop SL11 service. The council's commitment to maintaining Bexleyheath Police Station's front counter service and CCTV capabilities was also reaffirmed.

New Leadership and Appointments

A pivotal moment in the meeting was the appointment of Councillor David Leaf as the new Leader of the Council until the annual meeting in May 2026. This followed the indication from the majority group that Councillor Leaf would be nominated. Following this, Councillor Leaf, as the new Leader, set out the Cabinet portfolios and appointments, as detailed in Appendix B to the supplementary report. The Council also approved the appointments of members to various committees and outside bodies, as listed in Appendix C to the supplementary report, to serve until the annual meeting in May 2026.

Key Service Updates and Discussions

Throughout the meeting, various reports from Overview and Scrutiny Committees provided updates on a range of council services:

• Adult Social Care and Health: Reports detailed the council's winter preparedness and resilience planning, the development of neighbourhood health services through Bexley Care Plus, and the contract award for Urgent Treatment Centres. Bexley's progress towards becoming an Age Friendly Community and the finalisation of the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment were also highlighted.
• Children's Services and Education: Updates included strengthening the voice of children and young people in SEND services, with young people sharing their experiences and contributions. The report also covered the Bexley S.H.I.E.L.D. Annual Report, the Youth Justice Strategic Plan, and progress on the Safety Valve Early Intervention and Support Programme.
• Finance and Corporate Services: The committee discussed the Council's Transformation Programme, the Asset Management Strategy, and the Customer Experience Strategy. Updates were also provided on the People Strategy, focusing on staff recruitment, wellbeing, and inclusion.
• Places Overview and Scrutiny: Reports covered the results of Keep Britain Tidy surveys, highlighting improvements in street cleansing. Discussions also addressed trends in temporary accommodation, the new Grounds, Burials and Arboriculture Contract, and the council's work on housing services and renters' rights.
• General Purposes and Audit Committee: This committee reported on the Annual Report on Redundancy, Severance and Early Release of Pension Benefits, the Annual Treasury Management Outturn Report, and progress reports on Internal Audit and Counter Fraud activities.
• Licensing Committee: Updates included licences determined under delegated powers, the Licensing Partnership's annual performance, proposed changes to temporary event licence fees for Bexleyheath Broadway Business Improvement District, and licensing enforcement actions.
• Pensions Committee: The committee received quarterly administration reports, the Annual Report for 2024-25, and quarterly financial and fund management reviews. Investment performance and strategic asset allocation were also discussed.
• Planning Committee: The committee reported on determined planning applications, including a major residential development at Bursted Woods, Erith Road, Bexleyheath.

Public Questions and Petitions

The meeting also addressed questions from the public and members of the council. A petition was received from Councillor Wendy Perfect, signed by local residents, calling for Dalmeny Road to be made a one-way street with no access from Rydal Drive. Questions were raised regarding green space usage, the Healthy Streets Scorecard ranking, traffic and health issues on Dalmeny Road, and pension fund investments in companies complicit in actions in Gaza. Councillor Baroness O'Neill of Bexley OBE also addressed questions about the council's stance on intimidation of staff and the Operation Raise the Colours campaign.

The Council also considered motions remaining from a previous meeting, including one from Baroness O'Neill welcoming the Bexley Plan 2022-2026, a motion from Councillor Richard Diment regretting the impact of the Labour government, a motion from Councillor Stefano Borella proposing changes to the format for accepting and debating motions, and a motion from Councillor Zainab Asunramu committing the Council to addressing violence against women and girls.