The new first citizen of Merton has dedicated his year in office to supporting and celebrating the work of carers.

Councillor Michael Brunt was elected as Mayor for the 2021/22 municipal year by the Council at a meeting on 21 April. This meeting was convened a month earlier than usual, so that it could be held virtually. Today (19 May) Councillor Brunt begins his duties, taking over from Councillor Sally Kenny.

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 served as the authority’s first ever interim Cabinet Member, covering the Local Environment and Green Spaces portfolio while Councillor Natasha Irons was on maternity leave earlier this year.

Councillor Brunt said: “It is a great honour to be elected as mayor of the place I was born in and grew up in. I have so much to thank Merton for and I hope that over the coming year I can demonstrate that gratitude and give something back to Merton.  

“The last year has been full of challenges for us all. I hope that as we emerge from this lockdown that I can meet more people in person and recognise the hard work of so many in our community. In particular, I would like to celebrate the work of carers in Merton and that will be the theme for my year – caring.”

To reflect this, Councillor Brunt’s chosen charities are Christian CARE Association Merton, which provides emotional support and practical help for people who have no recourse to public funds and Marie Curie, a charity which supports people at the end of their lives and their families. Councillor Brunt’s joint chaplains are Rev Belemo Alagoa and Rev Alison Judge from the Merton Priory Team.

Councillor Brunt will be supported during the coming year by his consort, his mother, Joan Brunt, and by Deputy Mayor, Councillor Edith Macauley MBE.