A nomination has been made for the next mayor of Merton – who serves as the ceremonial and civic head of the borough.  

At the Cabinet meeting on Monday 22 March, the Council Leader, Councillor Mark Allison, announced that the Labour group is nominating Councillor Mike Brunt to be the next Mayor of Merton.

Councillor Brunt, who represents Figge’s Marsh Ward, is a former leader of Merton Council and a former Cabinet Member for the Environment. Councillor Brunt is currently interim Cabinet Member for Local Environment and Green Spaces, covering the role for Councillor Natasha Irons, who is currently on maternity leave and is due to return in April.

At the Annual Council Meeting on 19 May, the full Council will decide who to appoint as Mayor of Merton for the municipal year 2021/22. 

Councillor Allison said: “The Labour group is pleased to nominate Councillor Mike Brunt to become the next Mayor of Merton. Mike has a sterling record of service to the borough, including as a former council leader, and has most recently agreed to be Merton’s first ever interim cabinet member to cover maternity leave.”  

Councillor Allison paid tribute to the current Mayor of Merton, Councillor Sally Kenny, who has served the borough during an unprecedented year. 

Councillor Allison said: “I would like to thank Councillor Sally Kenny for her hard work and dedication to representing Merton, during what has been an extraordinary mayoral term. During the second wave of the pandemic, Councillor Kenny has highlighted the everyday efforts of residents to help their neighbours by setting up the Mayor’s Covid-19 Award, which recognises the community spirit which makes Merton a great place to live. Councillor Kenny has also tirelessly fundraised to support her two nominated charities – Merton and Morden Guild of Social Services and Morden Little League.”