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 2024-25.
Minutes:
Before seeking nominations for the position of Chair and Vice-Chair of Council for the 2024-25 Municipal Year, the Civic Mayor reflected on the privilege and honour of serving and thanked various individuals and groups for their support and contributions, including the mayoral office, the concierge team, Democratic Services, Deputy Civic Mayor, Councillor Appu Srinivasan, the Board of Trustees, his Mayoress Maria Pearson, and his family. He expressed satisfaction with engaging local people, especially the youth, in council workings and history.
The Deputy Civic Mayor, Councillor Appu Srinivasan also expressed gratitude for the co-operation and support during his term. He thanked the Civic Mayor, community leaders, faith leaders, voluntary associations, and his family and reflected on the pride and optimism for Croydon's future and the trust placed in him.
Mayor Jason Perry nominated Councillor Kola Agboola as Chair of Council and Civic Mayor, and Councillor Richard Chatterjee as Vice-Chair of Council and Deputy Civic Mayor for the upcoming municipal year.
He Highlighted Councillor Agboola’s commitment to faith, family, and education, particularly at Meridian High School and anticipated Councillor Agboola’s effective leadership and focus on celebrating the talents and achievements of Croydon's residents.
In seconding the motion, the Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Stuart King, praised Councillor Agboola, highlighting his impactful presence in New Addington, where he had served since 2020, and noted his historic appointment as Croydon's first African Civic Mayor. Councillor King expressed confidence in Agboola's success and extended best wishes to Councillor Agboola and his consort, Helen, for a prosperous year of public service. Additionally, Councillor King supported the nomination of Councillor Richard Chatterjee as Deputy Civic Mayor, commending his courteous nature and expressing confidence in his ability to support Councillor Agboola effectively.
It was put to the vote and Council RESOLVED, unanimously to appoint Councillors Kola Agboola and Richard Chatterjee to the roles of Civic Mayor and Deputy Civic Mayor for the 2024-25 Municipal Year.
The Chair then retired to the parlour followed by the procession.
There was a short adjournment while Councillors Kola Agboola changed into the Mayoral robes, after which the Mayoral procession returned.
Councillor Kola Agboola then made and signed his declaration of acceptance of office before the Corporate Director for Finance, who was representing the Chief Executive. Councillor Richard Chatterjee also made and signed his declaration of acceptance of office before the Corporate Director for Finance.
Mayor Jason Perry commended Councillor Tony Pearson for his exceptional service as Civic Mayor, noting his promptness, efficiency, and dedication to the community, especially New Addington. Highlights of his term included leading civic events and raising over £25,000 for local charities. He said that Councillor Pearson’s leadership was marked by fairness and firmness. Gratitude was also extended to his wife, Maria, for her support, and to Councillor Appu Srinivasan, who dedicated his role as Deputy Civic Mayor to his late mother and was praised for his advocacy for the Indian community. Both were thanked for their significant contributions to the community and council.
The Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Stuart King also praised Councillor Tony Pearson's exceptional service as Civic Mayor under Croydon's new governance system. Councillor Pearson, noted for his commitment to New Addington, displayed diligence, punctuality, and fairness in his role. Over the past year, he attended over 500 events and connected well with both veterans and young residents. He also highlighted unsung local volunteers through the Citizenship Awards. Councillor King also thanked Councillor Srinivasan, the Deputy Mayor, for his support and extensive engagement, reflecting their joint dedication to serving Croydon. Gratitude was expressed to both Councillors Pearson and Srinivasan for their contributions over the past year.
It was moved by the Chair, seconded by the Vice Chair and Council unanimously RESOLVED to:
“Formally express its gratitude to Councillor Tony Pearson for his courteous and efficient leadership over the past year. The Council acknowledges Pearson's dignified execution of mayoral duties, his and his wife Maria's support for local organizations, and their active participation in the borough's social life. The resolution be formally recorded, sealed, and presented to him at the Annual Council.”
The Chair then presented the past Civic Mayor’s Badge and Consort badge to Councillor Pearson and Maria Pearson respectively and presented flowers to Councillor Appu Srinivasan and Karthika Srinivasan.
In his acceptance speech, the Chair said he was honoured to be the Civic Mayor of Croydon, a diverse and vibrant London borough. He noted that this role was historic and a personal achievement as he was the first African and fourth Black person to hold the office. He mentioned that Croydon had been his home since migrating from Nigeria. He highlighted his career as a Senior Technician at Kingston University, which enabled him to support students in achieving their potential. His passion for community and representation led him into politics, and he was elected as a councillor in 2021 and re-elected in 2022.
He thanked Mayor Jason Perry, Opposition Leader, Councillor Stuart King, and his fellow councillors for their support and promised to work impartially. He also expressed gratitude to his family, especially his wife Helen, who would serve as Civic Mayoress, supported by their two children (Dr Bernadette Agboola and Miss Deborah Agboola). He looked forward to working with Deputy Mayor Councillor Richard Chatterjee.
The Chair announced that his mayoral theme would be "Communities Together and Mental Health." He would support two local charities: the Family Centre, which aids families through various support services, and Night Watch, which assists homeless people. He pledged to engage with community, voluntary, and charitable groups and to serve Croydon's residents with enthusiasm, compassion, and dedication.
In his acceptance speech, the Deputy Civic Mayor expressed his gratitude for being nominated to serve in the role. He thanked his colleagues across the chamber and the residents of Shirley North Ward, whom he represents alongside Councillors Sue Bennett and Mark Johnson. Reflecting on his extensive tenure as a councillor since 2002 and despite nearly three decades of council service, he had maintained consistent attendance at meetings.
He shared personal details about his upbringing and education in Croydon. He pursued a career in pharmacy and served as an NHS hospital pharmacist and civil servant for over 39 years. Drawing parallels between himself and the new Civic Mayor, he noted commonalities such as overseas roots, scientific backgrounds, and active involvement in trade unions and churches.
Acknowledging his family's support, he recognised his wife Angela as his Deputy Civic Mayoress for the year. He anticipated discovering new aspects of Croydon and building on the impact of his predecessor. He expressed his commitment to serving all residents, organisations, and businesses of Croydon in his role as Deputy Civic Mayor.