Merton Council has announced the resignation of Councillor Jenifer Gould (Liberal Democrat), with effect from Monday 5 January 2026.  Cllr Gould has represented Cannon Hill Ward since winning a by-election in 2019, and until her resignation served as Deputy Leader of the Opposition on the Council.   Cllr Gould has cited relocation away from the borough as the reason for her resignation.

Hannah Doody, Chief Executive and Returning Officer for Merton Council said;

“I would like to thank Jenifer Gould, on behalf of Merton Council, for her years of service to the borough and to the people of Merton, and to recognise the contribution she has made.  We wish her all the very best in her future plans. 

“We will be publishing a Notice of Vacancy, however, as this vacancy has occurred within six months before the day on which the councillor whose office is vacant would regularly have retired, an election shall not be held under Section 89(1) of the Local government Act 1972. The vacancy will be filled at the next ordinary election of Councillors on Thursday 7 May 2026.”

View full Notice of Vacancy