Council is recommended to agree to present former Councillors John Bowcott, Andrew Judge, Gilli Lewis-Lavender, Ian Munn and Judy Saunders respectively with a certificate conferring on them the title of Honorary Alderman duly affixed with the common seal of the Council.
The motions to be moved and seconded are:
1) ‘That former Councillor John Bowcott is conferred with the title of Honorary Alderman of the London Borough of Merton in recognition of his loyal and distinguished service to the Council over many years.’
2) ‘That former Councillor Andrew Judge is conferred with the title of Honorary Alderman of the London Borough of Merton in recognition of his loyal and distinguished service to the Council over many years.’
3) ‘That former Councillor Gilli Lewis-Lavender is conferred with the title of Honorary Alderman of the London Borough of Merton in recognition of her loyal and distinguished service to the Council over many years.’
4) ‘That former Councillor Ian Munn is conferred with the title of Honorary Alderman of the London Borough of Merton in recognition of his loyal and distinguished service to the Council over many years.’
5) ‘That former Councillor Judy Saunders is conferred with the title of Honorary Alderman of the London Borough of Merton in recognition of her loyal and distinguished service to the Council over many years.’
Note by Chief Executive: Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972 requires a resolution conferring the title of Honorary Alderman/woman to be passed by not less than two thirds of the Members voting thereon.
Minutes:
1. Honorary Alderman – former Councillor John Bowcott
The Mayor asked for a proposer and a seconder for the motion to confer the title of Honorary Alderman on former Councillor John Bowcott.
Councillor Oonagh Moulton:
“Madame Mayor I am delighted to move this motion conferring the title of Honorary Alderman upon our former Conservative councillor John Bowcott and which is a fitting recognition of his length of service, civic duty and distinguished commitment to our borough and to the residents of Village Ward whom he has served so loyally.
John was first elected in 2002 with the class that includes myself and David Simpson. He quickly established himself on the Planning Committee and gave distinguished service which has received widespread recognition and support across the Borough.
In addition he was the Deputy Mayor 2012-13 to Cllr David Williams and I can recall many great occasions & events with him and his wonderful Deputy Mayoress and consort Leslie.
Madame Mayor, Honorary Alderman is a fitting tribute to bestow on one of our distinguished former members and who has given so much of his time, so freely to the service of the Borough.
Madam Mayor I move this motion.”
Councillor Stephen Alambritis:
“It gives me great pleasure to second this. John Bowcott – committed, courteous, hard working, never angry, works across party lines – a real gentleman.
A pleasure to second Madam Mayor.”
Councillors Daniel Holden and David Williams also addressed the meeting speaking in support of the motion.
The Mayor then called for a vote on the Motion and reminded the Council that under Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972, it requires more than a two thirds majority of Members passing the motion for the Honorary Alderman to be bestowed.
The vote was carried, unanimously.
RESOLVED:
That former Councillor John Bowcott is conferred with the title of Honorary Alderman of the London Borough of Merton in recognition of his loyal and distinguished service to the Council over many years.
2. Honorary Alderman – former Councillor Andrew Judge
The Mayor asked for a proposer and a seconder for the motion to confer the title of Honorary Alderman on former Councillor Andrew Judge.
Councillor Stephen Alambritis:
“Thank you Madam Mayor for calling me for this second motion that former Councillor Andrew Judge to confer him with the title of Honorary Alderman for the London Borough of Merton in recognition of his loyal and distinguished service to the Council over many many years. A hugely successful former Leader of the Council, Andrew improved the standing of this Council immensely during his time as Leader. He had great attention to detail, passionate about football; a Manchester City fan; we’ll forgive him for that. But an AFC Wimbledon fan too and fought successfully to bring the club back to the Borough in Plough Lane. Major achievement in working with officers brought him the internationally acclaimed Merton Rule on the Environment, climate change and especially with regard to commercial buildings. The great and brilliant barrister with a cause; always polite, always giving his time to colleagues, officers and to residents, a well deserved alderman of the Borough for former Councillor Andrew Judge. Thank you Madam Mayor”.
Councillor Oonagh Moulton:
“Thank you Madam Mayor, indeed I would be delighted to second this motion. Councillor Judge has been a very long serving and very distinguished member of this chamber. Councillor Alambritis has enunciated very lucidly exactly all his achievements and I’m delighted to second this. Thank you.”
Councillor Linda Kirby also addressed the meeting speaking in support of the motion.
The Mayor then called for a vote on the Motion and reminded the Council that under Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972, it requires more than a two thirds majority of Members passing the motion for the Honorary Alderman to be bestowed.
The vote was carried, unanimously.
RESOLVED:
That former Councillor Andrew Judge is conferred with the title of Honorary Alderman of the London Borough of Merton in recognition of his loyal and distinguished service to the Council over many years.
3. Honorary Alderman – former Councillor Gilli Lewis-Lavender
The Mayor asked for a proposer and a seconder for the motion to confer the title of Honorary Alderman on former Councillor Gilli Lewis-Lavender.
Councillor Oonagh Moulton:
“Madame Mayor it is wonderful to have the opportunity to move this motion to confer the title of Honorary Alderman upon our former Conservative councillor Gilli Lewis-Lavender.
First elected in a By-Election in November 2000, Gilli has given 18 years service and 100% dedication and commitment to her community and to the residents of West Barnes Ward.
Madam Mayor Gilli has given extensive service to the whole Borough on a number of committees. She was the Chair of the Healthier Communities & Older People Overview & Scrutiny Panel from 2006 to 2011 but she is mainly known for her long service on the Health & Wellbeing Board.
Her public service was recognised in 2011 when she was elected Mayor and what a fantastic year that was.
Throughout her term however Gilli has dedicated her time, passion and energy to many of the voluntary and charitable organisations across the Borough.
Madame Mayor a particular mention has to go to the founding of the Rendez-Vous Club that Gilli and her longstanding partner and councillor, Brian set up to help combat loneliness and to promote a healthy lifestyle for older people.
I can personally recall one initiative which I think reflects that passion and drive for health and wellbeing on an individual and personal basis, when she encouraged all councillors to take part in a diet and weekly weigh-in – complete with a tape measure, step counter and before and after photos!
Less popular was her decision to ban the cookies from our meetings – though Madame Mayor I have noticed the biscuits creeping back!
Whilst I said that it was wonderful to be moving this motion on such a deserving person I cannot but help feel that is with some sadness that I do so as clearly Gilli did have a few more years’ service to give and I know that many in her Ward, across the Borough and across this Chamber have been shocked by her departure.
Madame Mayor we do hope that Gilli will continue her passion for community service and we look forward to welcoming her back as Honorary Alderman.”
Councillor Stephen Alambritis:
“Thank you Madam Mayor, it gives me great pleasure to second this motion on behalf of Gilli Lewis-Lavender. A hugely successful campaigner for older people, a champion of West Barnes, with infectious enthusiasm and a hugely successful Mayor in 2011/12 who raised so much money, Madam Mayor, that her chosen charity did not know how to spend it!
She crossed the political divide many times by bringing people from all sides together and her adoring husband fully deserves her back. Thank you.”
Councillors Daniel Holden and David Williams also addressed the meeting speaking in support of the motion.
The Mayor then called for a vote on the Motion and reminded the Council that under Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972, it requires more than a two thirds majority of Members passing the motion for the Honorary Alderman to be bestowed.
The vote was carried, unanimously.
RESOLVED:
That former Councillor Gilli Lewis-Lavender is conferred with the title of Honorary Alderman of the London Borough of Merton in recognition of her loyal and distinguished service to the Council over many years.
4. Honorary Alderman – former Councillor Ian Munn
The Mayor asked for a proposer and a seconder for the motion to confer the title of Honorary Alderman on former Councillor Ian Munn.
Councillor Stephen Alambritis:
“Thank you Madam Mayor. It gives me great pleasure, I move the motion that former Councillor Ian Munn is conferred with the title of honorary alderman for the London Borough of Merton in recognition of his loyal and distinguished service to the Council over many years and I know that we’ve received apologies from Councillor Munn and I know that Councillor Makin will speak on his behalf and will also collect his certificate on his behalf. Councillor Ian Munn was a consummate Councillor; paid great attention to detail and Cricket Green was in his blood. 1994-2002 he was a Phipps Bridge ward councillor, from 2002 to May this year he was a Cricket Green ward councillor, I think it was roughly the same area but some boundary changes and names. Now Planning and the look of the Borough was in his heart; he was Chair of the Borough Plan Advisory Committee for many years, Chair of Overview and Scrutiny Commission, Chair of Mitcham Community Forum as well as on the Borough Plan Advisory Committee, Standards and General Purposes Committee and loads and loads of other stuff. He was Mayor for 2000-2001, the millennium year. Now when anyone asked for help Ian Munn would gladly give it and when he saw anyone that needed help he would go up to them and offer it. He was a great organiser for our Mitcham Carnival that goes on to this day and I have great pleasure in moving this motion for Ian Munn, Madam Mayor.”
Councillor Oonagh Moulton:
“Thank you Madam Mayor. It does indeed give me great pleasure to second this motion and I’m sorry to hear that Ian Munn cannot be with us this evening and I hope our very best wishes can be passed on to him tonight. I know that former Councillor Saunders is kindly here to accept his award.
All I can say is that I fully support and second the motion. Thank you.”
Councillor Russell Makin and Peter Southgate also addressed the meeting speaking in support of the motion.
The Mayor then called for a vote on the Motion and reminded the Council that under Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972, it requires more than a two thirds majority of Members passing the motion for the Honorary Alderman to be bestowed.
The vote was carried, unanimously.
RESOLVED:
That former Councillor Ian Munn is conferred with the title of Honorary Alderman of the London Borough of Merton in recognition of his loyal and distinguished service to the Council over many years.
5. Honorary Alderman – former Councillor Judy Saunders
The Mayor asked for a proposer and a seconder for the motion to confer the title of Honorary Alderman on former Councillor Judy Saunders.
Councillor Stephen Alambritis:
“Thank you Madam Mayor it gives me great pleasure to move the fifth motion that former Councillor Judy Saunders is conferred with the title of honorary alderman for the London Borough of Merton in recognition of her loyal and distinguished service to the Council over many many years. A very very popular Councillor was Councillor Judy Saunders. We’ve just had the World Cup, sadly England failed to get through to the final but in all the football leagues there are votes by the fans about who is the player of the year, which is the goal of the year but the most prized vote is by the players about the players; the players player award is the most prized. If there was Madam Mayor, a Councillors’ Councillor award I think Judy Saunders would win it every time, such a very very popular Councillor amongst all sides of the Chamber. And she was chosen by her colleagues across all parties to mayoral positions three times Madam Mayor; twice as Deputy Mayor, once as Mayor, a record I believe in Merton. Another champion for Cricket Green; never craved attention but got on with it anyway, but she did gain attention because of her powerfully friendly approach to her work. I move the motion Madam Mayor”.
Councillor Oonagh Moulton:
“Thank you Madam Mayor, I’m delighted to second this motion. I very much believe that Councillor Saunders has given very loyal and very distinguished service across the Borough as Councillor for many years and I’m would also be happy to second Councillor Alambritis’ special award for Councillors. I think across the Borough we can certainly say that she is “woman of the match”. Thank you very much and I’m very happy to second what I know is a very popular award for former Councillor Saunders. Thank you.”
Councillors Russell Makin and Peter Southgate also addressed the meeting speaking in support of the motion.
The Mayor then called for a vote on the Motion and reminded the Council that under Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972, it requires more than a two thirds majority of Members passing the motion for the Honorary Alderman to be bestowed.
The vote was carried, unanimously.
RESOLVED:
That former Councillor Judy Saunders is conferred with the title of Honorary Alderman of the London Borough of Merton in recognition of her loyal and distinguished service to the Council over many years.