To elect the Mayor for the Council Year 2018/19 and note the appointment of the Deputy Mayor.
Minutes:
Councillor Newman proposed that Councillor Bernadette Khan be nominated as the Mayor of Croydon for the year 2018-19. He explained that it was an immense pleasure to propose her as the new Mayor and noted that she would be taking up the role in her most challenge time of her family’s lives. Councillor Bernadette Khan had contributed a huge amount of work to public services, various bodies and the voluntary sector and her work in West Thornton Ward was honourable; the constituents thought very highly of her. He was pleased she would be representing Croydon as the Mayor and it was a celebration for her and her family at a very difficult time. He noted that it was a pleasure to formally nominate Councillor Bernadette Khan as Mayor.
Councillor Pollard seconded the proposal that Councillor Bernadette Khan be nominated as the Mayor of Croydon for the year 2018-19. He stated that it was a delight to second the proposal and explained that her commitment to the Borough, especially her work with young people, was commendable. He sent his condolences from the Conservative Group and explained that they all wished to support her through the Mayoral year.
The motion was put to the vote and was carried unanimously. The Mayoral procession left the Chamber at 1909 hours.
The Mayoral procession returned at 1917 hours, with the new Mayor of Croydon, Councillor Bernadette Khan, in the Chair.
The Mayor read out the declaration of office and duly signed it. The Mayor then announced that she had requested Councillor Humayun Kabir to serve as her Deputy Mayor. The Deputy Mayor signed the declaration of the office.
The Mayor, giving her acceptance speech, stated that it was a great pleasure to announce that her husband Mr Qaiyum Khan would be her consort during her Mayoral year. The Mayor then presented the past-Mayor’s badge and citation to the previous Mayor, Councillor Toni Letts and presented the past-consort badge to her daughter, Mayoress Beverley Binstead.
The Mayor thanked her colleagues, family and friends and noted that it was exciting, honourable and humbling to be given the opportunity to become the Mayor of the Borough Croydon. She explained she had been a Councillor for 20 years and a local resident for over 40 years and was proud to live and work in the diverse Borough which was rich in culture. The Borough was growing and was expected to reach a population of 500,000 by 2021 which would create challenges; however, it would also become a home for even more talented and aspirational young people.
The Mayor noted that she wished to use her tenure to highlight equality, inclusiveness and community empowerment and would focus on these issues during her mayoral year.
The Mayor stated that communities must be supported to realise their visions and aspirations. A key component of any democracy was to support grassroots initiatives to help produce communities that were prosperous, diverse, dynamic and empowered. Recognising this, in 2015 the Cabinet had agreed the community Ward budget program to help support initiatives and deliver projects for communities and local residents. The Mayor explained that communities within the Borough could be better supported if all parties worked collaboratively. There were nearly 2000 active community groups and she noted that the Borough should be proud of the huge resource and appreciate all of its committed volunteer workers.
The Mayor informed the Council that she would be committed as Madam Mayor to strengthen equality and social inclusion in partnership with the statutory and voluntary organisations on behalf of the residents of Croydon.