The Liberal Democrats are now firmly in charge of Sutton Council after crushing the Conservatives at the last election.
While the Tories lost all 20 of its councillors in the borough, the Lib Dems swept to a commanding victory and now hold 51 of a possible 55 seats on the council.
It means the party continue their nearly 40-year dominance of Sutton politics, having first taken control of the council in 1990.
Reform UK became the official opposition to the Lib Dem administration after electing two councillors in the St Helier West ward.
But just two weeks after the election, a new opposition group formed between the Labour and Beddington Independent Residents groups, who each elected one councillor.
They claim to represent the “thousands of voters who didn’t choose the Lib Dems and didn’t want Reform”.
On election night, Leader of Sutton Council Barry Lewis said: “This was a historic night. The people of Sutton have put their trust in the Liberal Democrats once again to keep our borough moving forward – this time with the largest group of Liberal Democrat councillors ever elected across Sutton.
“Faced with a choice between vision and division, voters here backed the Lib Dem plan to deliver the brightest possible future for Sutton. In these difficult times, I am so proud that Sutton chose the politics of hope, community and ambition once again.”
Cllr Lewis added: “Our larger-than-ever team of local champions will now get stuck in, working hard every single day to deliver results for our community.”
Sutton Council’s full cabinet is as follows:
Council Leader
Barry Lewis
As council leader, Lewis was responsible for selecting the cabinet and designating each member’s committee. He represents Sutton at external events and sets the council’s key policy priorities as well as its overall strategic direction.
Deputy Leader
Sam Martin
Martin deputises for Lewis in his absence, representing the borough at external events and chairing the cabinet when necessary.
Lead Member for Resources and Chair of the Sutton Shareholdings Board
Sunita Gordon
Gordon’s role is to ensure the council’s money is spent wisely and delivers value for the community. She also oversees Sutton Council’s investments and financial strategy.
Chair of the Pension Committee
Cryss Mennaceur
Mennaceur has final say on the council’s pension committee, which makes decisions on all matters relating to its pension fund, including its investment policy.
Chair of the Sutton Local Committee
Sam Cumber
As Chair of the Sutton Local Committee, Cumber works with local groups that promote the interests of residents, businesses and visitors across the borough.
Chair of the Planning Committee
Jayne McCoy
McCoy leads the council’s planning committee, which makes decisions on major planning applications, while enforcing planning regulations and ruling on tree preservation orders.
Chair of the People Committee
Gemma Munday
Munday has final say on the People Committee, whose areas of responsibility include adult social care, provision for children with SEND, primary and secondary education and adult safeguarding.
Chair of the Licensing Committee
Louise Phelan
As Chair of Sutton Council’s Licensing Committee, Phelan oversees the regulation and approval of business and gambling licenses throughout the borough.
Chair of the Housing, Economy and Business Committee
Jake Short
Short chairs the committee that manages the council’s homelessness and housing strategies, as well as the maintenance of Sutton’s town centres and enforcement of trading standards.
Chair of the Environment and Sustainable Transport Committee
Christopher Woolmer
Woolmer oversees the council’s Environment and Sustainable Transport Committee, whose responsibilities include the management of Sutton’s parks, libraries, parking and highways, alongside its arts, heritage and leisure services.
Chair of the Scrutiny Committee
Qasim Esak
Esak has final say on the council’s Scrutiny Committee, which monitors Sutton’s health service provision, flood risk management, crime and disorder issues, as well as the performance of all the other committees.
