The Council meeting saw the appointment of His Honour Judge Edward Connell as the Honorary Recorder of the London Borough of Croydon and the approval of significant changes to the Council Procedure Rules to prepare for post-election operations. The meeting also featured valedictory speeches from several councillors marking the end of their terms.

Appointment of Honorary Recorder

His Honour Judge Edward Connell was appointed as the Honorary Recorder of the London Borough of Croydon. This is a ceremonial title traditionally held by the Resident Judge of the Crown Court, reflecting the close relationship between the borough and the judiciary. Judge Connell, who took up his post as Resident Judge at Croydon Crown Court at the start of 2026, brings extensive experience from his career at the criminal bar. The appointment follows established convention and aims to strengthen ties between the council and the courts.

Post-Election Preparations: Proposed Changes to Council Procedure Rules

The Council approved significant amendments to its Procedure Rules to ensure effective operation following the May 2026 Mayoral and Local Elections. These changes, recommended by the General Purposes Committee and the Constitution Working Group, aim to make council meetings more efficient and to reflect potential shifts in the political composition of the council.

Key changes include:

• Political Proportionality: A political proportionality approach will be applied to debating reports, considering amendments, referring back reports, and moving and debating motions. This ensures that speaking rights and opportunities are more closely aligned with the size of political groups.
• Questions to the Executive Mayor and Cabinet: The time allocated for oral questions to the Executive Mayor and Cabinet has been increased, with a new rotational format designed to ensure fairer representation for all groups. Written questions will also be reintroduced, with a limit of 35 per meeting, allocated based on political proportionality. A review of these new arrangements will take place after the first two ordinary council meetings.
• Council Debate Motions: The allocation of motions for debate will be based on political proportionality over a four-year term, ensuring a fairer distribution of opportunities for groups to raise matters of importance.
• Public Petitions: The number of speakers for public petitions has been reduced from four to two, with specific time allocations for the lead petitioner, administration, and opposition.
• Budget and Council Tax Setting Meetings: Provisions have been updated to allow for public questions at these crucial meetings, and speaking times have been adjusted to ensure more inclusive debate.
• Other Constitutional Changes: References to specific political parties have been removed, replaced with more neutral descriptions, and provisions for transferring speaking rights between groups have been introduced for flexibility.

The approved changes are intended to future-proof the council's procedures and ensure that meetings remain effective and democratic, regardless of the post-election political landscape.

Valedictory Speeches

The meeting concluded with valedictory speeches from several councillors who were stepping down. These speeches reflected on their time in service, highlighting personal experiences, achievements, and expressing gratitude to colleagues, residents, and staff.

• Councillor Maria Gatland, who served for 24 years, spoke about her work in Children's Services, including the establishment of family hubs and the children's home, Precious House. She emphasised the importance of corporate parenting and thanked her ward colleagues.
• Councillor Alisa Flemming reflected on her 16 years of service, acknowledging the sacrifices of public life and highlighting achievements such as strong outcomes for children's services and the introduction of the London Living Wage. She also paid tribute to the work of volunteers and community groups.
• Councillor Mario Creatura, after 12 years, shared reflections on his casework, including the challenges at Coulsdon Community Centre and securing a new lease for it. He also spoke about his time as Chief Whip and the importance of humanity in politics.
• Councillor Sherwin Chowdhury, who served for two decades, including as Civic Mayor, spoke of his commitment to social justice and community support, mentioning his work on the Norbury Park cricket pitch and securing an office for the Bangladesh Welfare Association.
• Councillor Fatima Zaman thanked colleagues for their support during her nearly four years of service, expressing confidence in the continued thriving of the community.
• Councillor Callton Young OBE spoke about his mission to address the ban on certain music genres, his time as a cabinet member for financial governance, and his work with the Pension Committee.
• Councillor Stuart Collins, the longest-serving councillor with 33 years of service, reflected on his time representing Broad Green, his cabinet roles in Culture and Sport and Clean and Green Croydon, and his advocacy for local government funding. He also made a plea for Captain Sensible to be granted the Freedom of the Borough.

Votes of thanks were delivered by the Executive Mayor, Jason Perry, and the Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Stuart King, acknowledging the significant contributions and dedication of the departing councillors. The Civic Mayor, Councillor Richard Chatterjee, also extended the council's collective thanks.