Minutes:
The Mayor of Southwark, Councillor Sunny Lambe, welcomed everyone to the meeting.
The Mayor announced that the leaders of each political group wished to make a statement.
Thereafter, Councillors Sarah King, James McAsh, and Victor Chamberlain paid tribute to the outgoing Mayor.
The Mayor asked for nominations for Mayor for the ensuing municipal year 2026-27.
Councillor Jasmine Ali, seconded by Councillor Evelyn Akoto, moved that Councillor Sabina Emmanuel be elected Mayor of the London Borough of Southwark for the municipal year 2026-27.
Councillor Reginald Popoola, seconded by Councillor Catherine Dawkins, moved that Councillor Claire Sheppard be elected Mayor of the London Borough of Southwark for the municipal year 2026-27.
The nomination was put to the vote and it was:
RESOLVED: That Councillor Claire Sheppard be elected Mayor for the 2026-27 municipal year.
Councillor Claire Sheppard accepted the office of Mayor. The clerk declared that Councillor Claire Sheppard was duly elected Mayor of Southwark for 2026-27.
The new Mayor signed the declaration of acceptance of office and took the chair.
The new Mayor stated that she appointed her husband Steve Sheppard as her consort.
The new Mayor appointed Councillor Patrickson Obanya as Deputy Mayor.
The new Mayor gave her incoming speech and announced that her chosen charities would be Westminster House Youth Club and Little Village Southwark. She will be also working to promote “Elect Her”.