Council will hear a short speech from the outgoing Chair of Council, after which Council will receive nominations and vote on the Chair and Vice-Chair of Council for the municipal year 2023-24.
Minutes:
Councillor Alisa Flemming gave words of thanks on behalf of herself and Councillor Sue Bennett, to all those who had supported them in their year as Civic Mayor and Deputy Civic Mayor of Croydon, stating that it was a privilege and an honour to share the mayoralty with Councillor Bennett.
Councillor Flemming recognised the challenges of the role, but declared it an honour to have served the people of Croydon in this way.
Councillor Flemming thanked her children and her sister for their support; her Consort John Wentworth and his wife; Councillors Appu Srinivasan, Mohammed Islam, Patsy Cummings, Enid Mollyneaux, Chris Clark, Callton Young, Ola Kolade and other Conservative members who had supported her. Councillor Flemming also extended thanks to the Mayor; the Deputy Lieutenant and his wife; and to the officers – among other staff, the registry team, Town Hall Concierge, the photographers, also thanked Bishop Rosemary for agreeing to be involved in reintroducing the Chaplaincy.
Councillor Flemming wished the new Civic Mayor and Deputy Civic Mayor the best of luck for the year of their Mayoralty.
The Chair then asked for nominations. Mayor Jason Perry nominated Councillor Tony Pearson as Civic Mayor and Councillor Appu Srinivasan as Deputy Civic Mayor for the 2023-24 municipal year. This was seconded by Councillor Stuart King, and:
RESOLVED, unanimously to appoint Councillors Tony Pearson and Appu Srinivasan to the roles of Civic Mayor and Deputy Civic Mayor respectively for the 2023-24 municipal year.
Mayor Jason Perry then spoke in favour the nominations, stating that Councillor Pearson was a well-known figure in his ward who worked hard for the community, as a champion of the armed forces and a military veteran. He also welcomed the nomination for the Deputy Civic Mayor.
Councillor Stuart King, Leader of the Opposition, then spoke on behalf of the Labour Group, and welcomed the nominees mentioning Councillor Srinivasan’s extraordinary record of public service from working in local food banks to international work on behalf of the Tamil community in the UK.
The Chair then retired to the parlour followed by the procession.
There was a short adjournment while Councillor Pearson changed into the Mayoral robes, after which the Mayoral procession returned.
Cllr Pearson made his declaration of acceptance of office, which was signed before the Chief Executive, Katherine Kerswell. Councillor Appu Srinivasan then made his declaration of acceptance of office, which was signed before the Chief Executive.
The Civic Mayor then presented the past Civic Mayor’s Badge and past Civic Mayor’s Consort badge to Councillor Flemming and John Wentworth, and presented flowers to Councillor Sue Bennett.
Mayor Jason Perry then gave words of thanks, followed by Councillor King, who gave words of thanks on behalf of the Labour Group.
The Chair then addressed Council, giving thanks to his wife and family, and his colleagues. He also thanked his predecessors for their hard work the previous year. He also stated his keenness to form good working relationship with officers and outlined the need for respect between members, and respect for the position of the Chair of Council. The Chair then stated that his two charities for the year were the Duffus Community Foundation, and the Brenda Kirby Cancer Charity.
The Chair then invited the Deputy Civic Mayor, Councillor Appu Srininvasan, to make his acceptance address, during which he emphasised that he wished his journey to be a symbol of hope for others, and that he looked forward to serving the borough in this role.