Election of the Mayor
To elect the Mayor for the Council Year 2020/21 and note the appointment of the Deputy Mayor.
Minutes:
The Mayor, Councillor Kabir, resumed the Chair and called on the Leader, Councillor Newman, to propose Councillor Henson as the new Mayor of Croydon.
The Leader proposed the motion and took the opportunity to emphasise Councillor Henson’s suitability for the role as Mayor. Particular mention was made of Councillor Henson’s extraordinary start to the Mayoral year, being the first ever virtual Mayor. Given Councillor Henson’s business and technology skills, it was noted that Members of Council could not have chosen better. It was hoped that the number of Covid-19 cases would continue to decrease allowing the new Mayor to fulfil her civic duties in and around the Borough. Councillor Henson was noted to have already demonstrated her ability to embrace traditional civic engagements during her time as Deputy Mayor.
The commitment to families and young people made by Councillor Henson was highlighted along with the campaigning zeal she had demonstrated as a ward Councillor. It was welcomed that Croydon would again enjoy a Mayor who would be standing up for residents during tough times. Such was the adverse situation being faced that leadership was needed to bring together private, public, voluntary and other bodies to support those who needed it most. Councillor Henson becoming Mayor at a young age was acknowledged along with the support that would be provided by Councillor Chowdhury as Deputy Mayor to build on the work done by Councillor Kabir.
The Mayor invited the Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Tim Pollard, to second the motion. Councillor Tim Pollard expressed his congratulations to the Mayor elect. Whilst it was a shame that Mayor-making was not happening in the traditional way, it was noted that Councillor Henson had the distinction of being Croydon’s first virtual Mayor although it was hoped that it would be possible to cease holding meetings virtually before the end of the year. It was highlighted that Councillor Henson had experience of working on a cross-party basis and that this provided a good foundation for the role as Mayor.
The Mayor put the motion to the vote which was unanimously passed to elect Councillor Maddie Henson as the Mayor of the London Borough of Croydon for 2020/21.
The meeting paused briefly (from 19:03 to 19:08) to allow Madam Mayor to dress in her chains of office and the Deputy Mayor to put on his badge.
Madam Mayor read out the declaration of office:
I, Councillor Maddie Henson, having been elected to the Office of Mayor of the Council of the London Borough of Croydon, hereby declare that I take the said office upon myself, and will duly and faithfully fulfil the duties of it according to the best of my judgement and ability. I undertake to observe the Code of Conduct which is expected of Members of the London Borough of Croydon.
Madam Mayor formally announced Councillor Chowdhury as her Deputy who also read out the declaration of office.
It was explained to the meeting that both declarations would be signed, witnessed by the Chief ... view the full minutes text for item 97
Election of the Mayor
To elect the Mayor for the Council Year 2019/20 and note the appointment of the Deputy Mayor.
Please note there will be a short recess following the election of the Mayor.
Minutes:
Madame Mayor, Councillor Bernadette Khan, resumed the Chair and called on the Leader, Councillor Newman, to propose Councillor Humayun Kabir as the new Mayor of Croydon.
The Leader propose the motion and took the opportunity to emphasise Councillor Kabir’s suitability for the role as Mayor. Particular mention was made of Councillor Kabir’s dedication as a community activist, the huge role he had played in the Asian Resource Centre and his experience in empowering communities. The Leader welcomed Councillor Kabir’s creative ideas for ambassadorial roles and charitable engagement and acknowledged the support that would be provided by the new Mayor’s consort, Mrs Rahena Chowdhury Kabir.
The Leader of the Opposition Group, Councillor Tim Pollard, seconded the motion noting his own support for the charities already selected by the new Mayor. Councillor Pollard welcomed the new Mayor and stated his belief that he would be very successful in the role.
Madame Mayor put the motion to the vote which was unanimously passed.
The Mayoral procession left the Council Chamber (18:55pm). There followed a short pause in the meeting to allow the new Mayor to change into his robes. The Mayoral procession then re-entered the Council Chamber (19:05pm).
The Mayor, Councillor Humayun Kabir, read out the declaration of office:
I, Councillor Humayun Kabir, having been elected to the Office of Mayor of the Council of the London Borough of Croydon, hereby declare that I take the said office upon myself, and will duly and faithfully fulfil the duties of it according to the best of my judgement and ability. I undertake to observe the Code of Conduct which is expected of Members of the London Borough of Croydon.
The Mayor signed the acceptance of office witnessed by the Head of the Paid Service. Councillor Henson was announced as the Deputy Mayor and also signed the acceptance of office witnessed by the Mayor and the Head of the Paid Service.
Mrs Rahena Chowdhury Kabir was formally announced at the Mayor’s consort.
The Mayor presented Councillor Bernadette Khan with the past-Mayor’s badge and citation. The past-consort’s badge was presented to Mr Qaiyum Khan.
In his acceptance address the Mayor detailed his vision to connect grassroots communities with those who are newly settled in the borough, raise awareness of Council services and encourage confidence in civic rights. The Mayor expressed his desire to promote local businesses and welcomed the support of past-Mayor, Councillor Toni Letts in this endeavour.
The charities chosen by the Mayor to benefit from his fundraising activities during his year in post were announced. Those were:
i. Mind;
ii. Croydon Vision;
iii. Croydon Day Refugee Centre;
iv. Ashdown Jazz Academy; and
v. Apasen Croydon
The Mayor also noted his desire to reduce the length of Council meetings in order that they become more family and age friendly.
The sad passing of Councillor Maggie Mansell was noted and welcome was made to Councillor Ben-Hassel who had been elected to the seat in Norbury.
The Mayor expressed his personal thanks to his wife, Mrs Rahena ... view the full minutes text for item 36