The Chief Executive reported that although Councillor Tony Brett Young’s answers to the question from Councillor David Theobald had been recorded correctly, since that meeting, further information had come to light which led him to believe that he could not rely on that information being accurate.  Stephen Laurence-Orumwense, the Council’s Monitoring Officer, had been asked to carry out an investigation into the events surrounding the subject of the question to establish the facts.  The Chief Executive had already apologised to Councillor David Theobald for this lapse and assured him that a copy of the investigation report would be supplied to him in due course, as well as to party group leaders.  Councillor Theobald thanked the Chief Executive for his prompt actions in this matter.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 12 May 2008 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Mayor.

a)         Territorial Army Centenary Celebrations

The Mayor reported that both the Mayoress and herself had attended centenary celebrations on 15 May 2008 for the Territorial Army at St. Paul’s Cathedral and afterwards at the Guildhall.  It had been a most joyous occasion and she had been very pleased to be able to attend.

b)         Motion – Vote of Thanks to the Mayor

Further to Minute ***/08, the Mayor responded to the Vote of Thanks moved Councillor Janet Lowne and seconded by Councillor Simon Wales. 

During her speech, the Mayor referred to the support provided during the municipal year by her Mayoress June Reid, together with Councillor Brendan Hudson as Deputy Mayor and his wife Jane as Deputy Mayoress.  The Mayor also thanked Richard Shortman Democratic Services Manager and his team, Linda Workman the Mayor’s Secretary, Nick Prior the Mace Bearer, Pat Hart, Relief Mace Bearer and David Pattison her driver from White Ribbon.  She referred to the support that she had received for her Charity – Parkinson’s Outreach Sutton.  She thanked her charity committee members and stated that over £20,000 had been raised. 

Following the Mayor’s speech, the Motion was adopted.

The Mayor called for nominations for the office of Mayor for the ensuing municipal year.

Councillor John Leach proposed:

            That Councillor Brendan Hudson be elected Mayor of the London Borough of Sutton for the municipal year 2008/09.

Councillor Sue Stears seconded the Motion.

There being no further nominations, the Motion was put to the meeting and CARRIED.  The Mayor thereupon declared Councillor Brendan Hudson duly elected Mayor of the London Borough of Sutton for the municipal year 2008/09.

The Mayor (Councillor Brendan Hudson) in the Chair.

The Mayor made and subscribed the declaration of acceptance of office.

The Mayor returned thanks for his election.

The Mayor reported that he had appointed Councillor Dave Callaghan to be Deputy Mayor of the Borough during his Mayoralty.

The Mayor reported that he had appointed Father Kevin Pelham from St.  Margaret’s Roman Catholic Church, Carshalton to act as Mayor’s Chaplain during his Mayoralty.

The Chief Executive reported, in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 and Standing Order 45, the membership of the political groups on the Council, and consequential appointments.

Councillor Paul Scully drew attention to an inaccuracy in the report and, on behalf of the Opposition, congratulated the Mayor on his election,.

            Resolved:  That the report, as amended and as set out as Appendix A to these Minutes, be agreed.

In accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Act 2000, the Mayor called for nominations for Leader of the Council.  Councillor Sue Stears proposed and Councillor Roger Thistle seconded:-

            “That Councillor Sean Brennan be appointed Leader of the Council for the municipal year 2008/09.”

Councillor Sue Stears’ Motion was put to the meeting and CARRIED. 

Councillor Sean Brennan was elected Leader of the Council of the London Borough of Sutton for the municipal year 2008/09.

Councillor Sean Brennan moved the reception of the report containing the allocation of seats to Party Groups on the Council, as required by the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 together with the following alteration:

ADD:              Joint Health Scrutiny Committee (4LD/2C)

The report, as altered and set out as Appendix B to these Minutes was adopted.

The Council Meeting will close at this point and the Mayoral Party will leave the Council Chamber.  All Councillors, guests and members of the public are asked to remain in their seats whilst a short meeting of the Executive, followed by a short meeting of the Licensing Committee and the Licensing (Miscellaneous Functions) Committee takes place.

THE EXECUTIVE : 19 MAY 2008

AGENDA

1.         To appoint Panels, Advisory Groups and representatives on outside bodies for the municipal year 2008/09 in accordance with nominations received from Party Groups. (Pages 37 – 44)

LICENSING COMMITTEE

LICENSING (MISCELLANEOUS FUNCTIONS) COMMITTEE

19 MAY 2008: AGENDA

1.         To appoint Licensing Sub-Committees for the municipal year 2008/09. (Pages 45 – 46)

It was moved by Councillor Brennan and seconded by Councillor Sue Stears:

            “That the Standing Committees, Joint Committees with other local authorities, Advisory Committees and Joint Committees with Staff, as set out on the agenda, as altered below, be appointed until the annual meeting of the Council in May 2009.”

Health and Well Being Scrutiny Committee

DELETE:      Vice Chair – Councillor Joan Hartfield

INSERT:        Vice Chair – Councillor Jayne McCoy

Scrutiny Overview Committee

DELETE:      Councillor Joan Hartfield (LD)

INSERT:        Councillor Jayne McCoy (LD)

Audit Committee

DELETE:      Councillor Jayne McCoy (LD)

INSERT:        Councillor Roger Thistle (LD)

CHANGE:     Better Health Care Closer to Home Joint Health Scrutiny Committee to read Joint Health Scrutiny Committee

DELETE:      All reference to the Epsom & St. Helier Recovery Plan Joint Health Scrutiny Committee

Sutton Joint Health and Safety Committee

DELETE:      Councillors Margaret Ali (LD), and Brendan Hudson (LD)

INSERT:        Councillors Colin Hall (LD) and Colin Stears (LD)

            Resolved:  That the appointment of members of Standing Committees, Joint Authorities, Joint Committees with other Local Authorities, Advisory Committees and Joint Committees with Staff, as altered and set out in Appendix C to these Minutes, be adopted.