Merton’s new mayor donned her ceremonial chains for the first time this week but there were no changes made to the council’s decision-making body.

Councillor Gilli Lewis-Lavender, Conservative member for West Barnes ward since 2000, was unanimously elected at a full council meeting on Wednesday, May 11.

Coun Lewis-Lavender, whose husband and consort Brian Lewis-Lavender is a former Merton councillor himself, said she would support Parkinson’s Merton at the top of a long list of charities during her year as mayor.

She said: “I would like to thank all of my councillor colleagues so much for electing me as Mayor of Merton.

"I am very excited about the forthcoming year and value the responsibility of being first citizen for the London Borough of Merton.

“I’m looking forward to involving residents in many exciting, fun and family friendly events in the coming year and to rallying support and funds for my chosen charities which play such a valuable role in the borough.”

Her deputy mayor will be Councillor Chris Edge, a fellow Conservative who represents Dundonald ward in Wimbledon.

The council’s Labour administration, which governs Merton Council as a minority, will be continue to be led by Councillor Stephen Alambritis, who has chosen not to reshuffle his cabinet.

Coun Alambritis said: “I feel it is important to have some continuity in the running of the council and, in any case, none of the cabinet posts were contested at Merton Labour party’s Annual General Meeting.

“We have an extremely strong and experienced cabinet with a lot of expertise and knowledge and that stability is good for department directors within the council.”

Merton Council’s Labour administration:

  • Coun Stephen Alambritis (Leader)
  • Coun Mark Betteridge (Deputy Leader, Performance and Implementation)
  • Coun Mark Allison (Finance)
  • Coun Andrew Judge (Environmental Sustainability and Regeneration)
  • Coun Linda Kirby (Adult Social Care and Health)
  • Coun Edith Macauley (Community Safety, Engagement and Equalities)
  • Coun Maxi Martin (Children’s Services)
  • Coun Peter Walker (Education)
  • Coun Martin Whelton (Community and Culture)

Got a story for us? Call 020 8722 6335 or email: ooakes@london.newsquest.co.uk.

Get all the latest Wimbledon Guardian news by:

Your Local Guardian: Facebook  Liking our Facebook page

Your Local Guardian: Twitter  Following us on Twitter

...or click here to receive a daily e-mail news bulletin.