Croydon Council has bid farewell to a number of long-serving councillors who stepped down after dedicating years of service to the borough. The council meeting on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, marked the final gathering for several councillors who delivered valedictory speeches, reflecting on their time in public service, highlighting achievements, and sharing personal experiences.
Among those stepping down was Councillor Maria Gatland, who served for 24 years. She spoke of her pride in her work in Children's Services, including the opening of Precious House, a children's home, and the establishment of fostering hubs. Councillor Gatland mentioned her pride in initiatives such as opening Precious House, a children's home, and establishing fostering hubs,
noting that Our teams in Children's Services support our families brilliantly in so many ways, and I am so grateful to them, by opening family hubs, opening our children's home, Precious House, 17 elps for our Senior people, three fostering hubs...
1 However, she also acknowledged the significant financial challenge
faced within Children's Services during her tenure.
Councillor Alisa Fleming reflected on the sacrifices of public life and paid tribute to the dedication of her colleagues, highlighting achievements such as the London Living Wage Council and work on race equality.
Councillor Mario Creatura, after 12 years as a councillor, shared anecdotes from his casework and reflected on his time as Chief Whip. Councillor Sherwin Chowdhury spoke of his two decades of service, including his time as Mayor, and his commitment to social justice, mentioning his involvement in lobbying for the Norbury Park cricket pitch and supporting community initiatives.
Councillor Fatima Zaman expressed her honour in serving for nearly four years, while Councillor Callton Young OBE spoke about his mission to remove the ban on certain music genres affecting black artists and residents. He stated that he was elected in a by-election in 2016 on a mission to get rid of the so-called ban on batsmen music,
which was adversely affecting black artists, black residents, and lovers of DJ music in Croydon. Upon his election and following a review, the source of the problem was found on the face of Croydon's Licensing Policy.
2 Councillor Young expressed pleasure when damaging elements of the policy were removed,
and that the Thor Council voted in support of his joint motion with Councillor Patsy Cummings for a formal apology from the council to those impacted by the ban. He expressed hope that Croydon's night-time economy will recover.
Councillor Stuart Collins, the longest-serving councillor with 33 years of service, reflected on his cabinet roles in Culture and Sport, and Clean and Green Croydon. He highlighted the success of the Don't Mess With Croydon
campaign, which involved 300 people prosecuted for fly-tipping, 65 vehicles crushed, 3,000 fines,
and a new bin system that increased recycling rates. He also made a plea for Captain Sensible to be granted the Freedom of the Borough. Councillor Collins also highlighted the challenge of a broken grant funding system
for local government and the difficulty of making cuts.
The valedictory speeches were followed by votes of thanks from the Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Stuart King, who acknowledged the collective service of 173 years from departing Labour councillors, and Executive Mayor Jason Perry, who recognised the decades of service and the experience departing councillors take with them. Civic Mayor Councillor Richard Chatterjee concluded the valedictory section by thanking all departing councillors for their commitment and service.