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AGM, Council - Wednesday, 20th May, 2026 7.30 pm
May 20, 2026 at 7:30 pm Council View on council website Watch video of meeting Read transcript (Professional subscription required)Summary
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The Council meeting on Wednesday 20 May 2026 saw the election of the new Speaker and Deputy Speaker, and the announcement of the Mayor's new cabinet. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Mayor's address, outlining the administration's priorities and vision for the borough, and the announcement of the Mayor's Charity for the year.
Election of Speaker and Deputy Speaker
Councillor Aaron Regisford was elected as the new Speaker of the Council, and Councillor Hibaaq Aden was elected as the Deputy Speaker. Both expressed their honour in taking on these roles and their commitment to serving the borough and setting an example, particularly for young people.
Young Mayor and Deputy Young Mayor
The acceptance of office for the Young Mayor for 2026-2027, Tyrese Gale, and Deputy Young Mayor, Izzy McDonald, was noted. The council highlighted Lewisham's long-standing Young Mayor programme, established in 2004, which ensures young people's voices are heard in decision-making. Jermaine Lee, the outgoing Deputy Young Mayor, spoke about his and outgoing Young Mayor Shane Grant's experiences, thanking those who supported them and expressing confidence in the new appointees.
Mayor's Cabinet and Executive Functions
Mayor Liam Shrivastava announced his new cabinet, outlining the portfolios for each member:
- Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Economic Development: Councillor Rudi Schmidt
- Cabinet Member for Strategy, Performance and Digital Transformation: Councillor Ade Adewunmi
- Cabinet Member for Inclusive Regeneration, Planning and Housing Delivery: Councillor Daniel Dream
- Cabinet Member for Safer Homes, Homelessness and Housing Services: Councillor Natalie Thomas
- Cabinet Member for Children, SEND, Youth Empowerment and Culture: Councillor Rotimi Skyers
- Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care: Councillor Samantha Gardiner
- Cabinet Member for Communities, Sanctuary and Healing: Councillor Hau-Yu Tam
- Cabinet Member for Workers, Business and Skills: Councillor Shireen Asaw
- Cabinet Member for Environment, Nature, Transport and Climate Action: Councillor Corin Ashwell
The Mayor also confirmed that the existing Mayoral Scheme of Delegation in the Constitution would remain unchanged.
Committee Terms of Reference, Appointments, and Programme of Meetings
The Council agreed to the committee terms of reference, the allocation of seats and appointments to various committees, including the appointment of chairs and vice-chairs for the upcoming year. They also agreed to the programme of council meetings for 2026/27 and general dispensations to elected members.
Appointments to Outside Bodies
Members were appointed to serve on a range of outside bodies, including the Organisation Albany 2001 Council of Management, Albion Millennium Green Trust, Blackheath Joint Working Party, Deptford Challenge Trust, Lewisham Local History Society, London Youth Games, Marsha Phoenix Memorial Trust, Trinity Laban, and Our Healthier South East London (OHSEL) JHOSC. Mayoral appointments were also confirmed for various committees, including the Brent, Lewisham, Southwark IT Committee, IThrive (formerly CYP Strategic Partnership), Corporate Parenting Group, Health & Wellbeing Board, and the LGA General Assembly. Appointments were also made to London Councils committees, the Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE), Positive Ageing Council Steering Group, SLaM Governor, and the London South East Flood Risk Partnership. Other appointments included the London Road Safety Council, Lewisham Safer Neighbourhood Board, Lewisham Collaborative, Newable (Greater London Enterprise), Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, Fostering Panel, Reserve Forces' and Cadets' Association, and Capital Letters. Champions for various areas were also appointed, including Active Travel, Arts, Heritage & History, Migrant, Disabled People's, Night-time Economy, Hospitality and Pub, Youth, and Wellbeing.
Annual Pay Policy Statement and Members' Allowances Scheme
The Council agreed to the Annual Pay Policy Statement for 2026/27 and the Members' Allowances Scheme.
Mayor's Address
Mayor Liam Shrivastava delivered an address, marking his position as the first Green, directly elected Mayor of Lewisham. He thanked those involved in the democratic process and acknowledged the contributions of former councillors and officers, including Claire Weiser, who was retiring after nearly 50 years of service. The Mayor outlined his administration's priorities: restoring pride in the borough by addressing visible issues like fly-tipping and waste management; taking bold action on housing to ensure genuinely affordable homes and improve energy efficiency; and reshaping the local economy to benefit working-class communities through an economy of care.
He also committed to strengthening community life by bringing back Lewisham People's Day. The Mayor stressed the importance of rebuilding trust between the Council and residents, stating that hope must be delivered through tangible improvements in people's daily lives.
Mayor's Charity
The meeting concluded with the announcement of the Mayor's Charity for the year: Action for Refugees in Lewisham (AFRIL). The Mayor thanked the outgoing charity, the Lewisham Donation Hub, which had raised £19,943.11 over the past year. Chloe from AFRIL spoke about the vital work the organisation does for asylum seekers, refugees, and vulnerable migrants, particularly in the current political climate, and expressed gratitude for the Council's support. The value of frontline organisations like AFRIL was highlighted, with an encouragement for councillors and the public to support their work.
Delegated decisions linked to this meeting
Decision summaries below are AI-generated from the council’s published record. Check the council source or the full decision page before relying on them.
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Apologies for absence
Recommendations ApprovedThe Council of Lewisham Council noted apologies for absence from Councillor Oana Olaru Holmes on 20 May 2026. The recommendations were approved.
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Programme of council meetings
Recommendations ApprovedThe Council of Lewisham Council on 20/05/2026 approved the programme of council meetings. The approved programme includes a Council AGM on 20 May 2026.
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Appointments to outside bodies
Recommendations ApprovedThe Council of Lewisham Council resolved to approve recommendations for member appointments to outside bodies on 20 May 2026. The decision appointed named councillors to various organisations including the Albany 2001 Council of Management, Albion Millennium Green Trust, and the Blackheath Joint Working Party. Specific appointments were made to roles such as Active Travel Champion, Arts, Heritage & History Champion, and Youth Champion.
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Members' Allowances Scheme
Recommendations ApprovedThe Council of Lewisham Council approved the Members' Allowances Scheme on 20 May 2026. The scheme was amended to abolish the role of Cabinet Advisor, redefine the role of Majority Group Whip, adjust Cabinet Member SRAs, introduce alternating Chair and Vice Chair arrangements for committees, and create the role of Member Champion. The Monitoring Officer was instructed to amend and publish the revised scheme.
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Address from the Mayor, Liam Shrivastava
Recommendations ApprovedThe Council of Lewisham Council on Wednesday 20 May 2026 approved recommendations. The Speaker thanked the Mayor for the address.
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Annual Pay Policy Statement
Recommendations ApprovedThe Council of Lewisham Council approved the Annual Pay Policy Statement on 20 May 2026. The statement sets out the council's approach to employee pay and remuneration for the 2026/27 financial year. It includes details on chief officer remuneration, lowest paid employees, and the relationship between different pay levels.
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Election of Deputy Speaker
Recommendations ApprovedThe Council of Lewisham Council resolved that Councillor Hibaaq Aden be elected as Deputy Speaker of the Council on 20 May 2026.
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Committee Terms of Reference
For DeterminationThe Council of Lewisham Council on Wednesday 20 May 2026 resolved that the committee terms of reference be agreed. The Monitoring Officer was authorised to make minor changes to the Health and Wellbeing Board Terms of Reference, amend the Constitution, and provide an updated electronic copy to all members.
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Declaration of Interests
Recommendations ApprovedThe Council of Lewisham Council approved recommendations on 20 May 2026. There were no declarations of interest.
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Minutes
Recommendations ApprovedThe Council of Lewisham Council agreed the minutes of the meeting held on 4 March 2026. This decision was made on 20/05/2026.
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Young Mayor and Deputy Acceptance of Office
Recommendations ApprovedThe Council of Lewisham Council on 20 May 2026 resolved that the acceptance of office of the Young Mayor, Tyrese Gale, and Deputy Young Mayor, Izzy McDonald, be noted.
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General Dispensations to Elected Members
Recommendations ApprovedThe Council of Lewisham Council on 20 May 2026 resolved that general dispensations to elected members be agreed. These dispensations allow members to participate in decisions notwithstanding interests that would otherwise prevent them, including those related to housing, school meals, statutory sick pay, member allowances, ceremonial honours, and setting Council Tax.
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Allocation of seats and appointments to committees
Recommendations ApprovedThe Council of Lewisham Council resolved to approve the allocation of seats and appointments to committees on 20/05/2026. This included appointing chairs and vice chairs for various committees for the 2026/27 period. The decision formally agreed the committee memberships as set out in the provided documents.
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Election of Speaker
Recommendations ApprovedThe Council of Lewisham Council on 20 May 2026 resolved that Councillor Aaron Regisford be elected as Speaker of the Council.
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Executive Composition
Recommendations ApprovedThe Council of Lewisham Council noted the constitution and composition of the Executive, as announced by the Mayor, on 20 May 2026. The Executive includes Mayor Liam Shrivastava and ten Cabinet Members with specific portfolio responsibilities.
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Mayor's delegation of Executive functions
Recommendations ApprovedThe Council of Lewisham Council on 20 May 2026 resolved that the existing Mayoral Scheme of Delegation in the Constitution remains unchanged. This decision noted the nature and extent of decision-making powers delegated by the Mayor in relation to executive functions.
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