The Council meeting on 15 April 2026 saw the appointment of a new Honorary Recorder and discussions regarding proposed changes to the Council Procedure Rules. The meeting also featured valedictory speeches from several councillors who were stepping down, reflecting on their service and the challenges of public life.

Appointment of Honorary Recorder

His Honour Judge Edward Connell was formally appointed as the Honorary Recorder of the London Borough of Croydon. This ceremonial role, which traditionally aligns with the Resident Judge of Croydon Crown Court, serves to strengthen the ties between the borough and the judiciary. Judge Connell, who took up his post as Resident Judge earlier this year, expressed his honour at the appointment and his commitment to fostering constructive engagement with the council and the wider community. He succeeds His Honour Judge Michael Evans KC.

Post-Election Preparations: Proposed Changes to Council Procedure Rules

The Council considered proposed amendments to its Council Procedure Rules (CPRs) to prepare for potential changes in political composition following the May 2026 elections. These changes, developed by the Constitution Working Group, aim to ensure the Council can conduct its meetings effectively and fairly, regardless of future political make-ups. Key revisions proposed include:

• Political Proportionality: A political proportionality approach would govern debates on reports, consideration of amendments, referral back of reports, and the moving and debating of motions. This would ensure that speaking rights and opportunities are more closely aligned with the size of political groups.
• Written Questions: A new framework for written questions to the Executive Mayor and Cabinet was proposed. A total of 35 questions would be allowed per meeting, allocated based on political proportionality rather than a first-come, first-served basis. A review of this arrangement would take place after two ordinary meetings.
• Public Petitions: The number of speakers for public petitions was proposed to be streamlined from four to two, with specific time allocations for the lead petitioner, administration, and opposition.
• Council Tax and Budget Meetings: Provisions were proposed to ensure public questions can be asked at these crucial meetings, with expanded time for questions to the Executive Mayor and Cabinet Member for Finance.
• Other Amendments: Changes were also proposed regarding extraordinary meetings, the role of the Leader of the Opposition, the composition of the Shadow Cabinet, and the timing of the Annual Scrutiny Report.

Councillor Sean Fitzsimons, Chair of the General Purposes Committee, commended these proposed changes, stating they would make council meetings sharper, more to the point, and give great opportunities for all councillors, and especially backbenchers, time to hold the Elected Mayor and Executive to account.¹

Valedictory Speeches and Vote of Thanks

The meeting concluded with a series of valedictory speeches from councillors who were not standing for re-election. These speeches offered reflections on their time in public service, the challenges and rewards of being a councillor, and gratitude to residents, colleagues, and families.

• Councillor Maria Gatland, who served for 24 years, spoke about her work in Children's Services and her pride in the Friends of Comhurst Woods receiving the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service. She emphasised the responsibility of corporate parenting and thanked her ward colleagues.
• Councillor Alisa Fleming paid tribute to Councillor Karen Jewitt's dedication to community work, highlighting her tireless efforts to support vulnerable residents. Councillor Fleming also spoke about the personal sacrifices involved in public life and the importance of unity in Croydon.
• Councillor Mario Creatura reflected on his 12 years of service, contrasting his early casework with his final major piece of work securing a lease for the Coulsdon Community Centre. He acknowledged personal growth and the human element of council work, thanking his family for their support.
• Councillor Sherwin Chowdhury spoke of his two decades of service, including his time as Mayor, and his commitment to social justice. He highlighted his involvement in community activism, including lobbying for the Norbury Park cricket pitch and organising a peace conference.
• Councillor Fatima Zaman expressed her honour in serving Selhurstvale and Forestdale for nearly four years, thanking her colleagues and the inspirational leader, Jason Perry.
• Councillor Callton Young OBE spoke about his mission to remove the ban on batsmen music and his enjoyment of his time as a cabinet member. He also highlighted his work on the Appointments Committee and his commendation of the Pension Committee's work.
• Councillor Stuart Collins, the longest-serving councillor with 33 years of service, spoke passionately about local government and the challenges of funding. He reflected on his cabinet roles in Culture and Sport and Clean and Green Croydon, highlighting achievements such as new libraries, sports strategies, and the Don't Mess With Croydon campaign. He concluded with a plea for Captain Sensible to be granted the Freedom of the Borough.

The Executive Mayor, Jason Perry, and the Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Stuart King, delivered votes of thanks, acknowledging the significant contributions of the departing councillors and the collective experience and knowledge they would take with them. They both emphasised the sacrifices made by councillors and the importance of their service to the borough.