Councillor Lisa Jane Moore has been elected as the new Mayor of Bexley for the Municipal Year 2026-27. During her acceptance speech at the Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, 27 May 2026, she announced her chosen charities for the year: Crossroads Care South East London, Truly Beloved, and the Diabetes UK Bexley Support Group.
Councillor Moore outlined her theme for the mayoral year as Samunya Bexley,
or Bexley Together.
She explained that the theme reflects the idea that a person's identity and well-being are deeply connected to their community. Because togetherness isn't something that we feel, it's something that we do. And it's the everyday choices that we make to look out for one another, to lift each other up and to ensure that no one in our borough is left to struggle alone,
she stated. Councillor Moore believes this spirit of togetherness should begin within the council chamber, encouraging constructive working, mutual respect, and collaboration for the good of all residents.
Crossroads Care South East London was chosen to highlight the support for unpaid carers, described as the quiet heroes of our borough, holding families together day after day, often without recognition.
The charity provides respite, emotional support, and practical help to ensure no unpaid carer has to carry that responsibility alone. Truly Beloved will receive support for its work with children and young people navigating the challenges of disability and special educational needs. The charity funds therapies, equipment, and family support to ensure every child has the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive, and to build a Bexley where every child is valued and included. The Diabetes UK Bexley Support Group, which provides community, understanding, and practical guidance for families facing the challenges of diabetes, was also selected, ensuring no family has to face this journey alone.
Councillor Moore's election followed a nomination by Councillor O'Hare and a seconding speech by Councillor Brooks. Councillor Brooks highlighted her dedication as a councillor for Longlands ward and her background in journalism, communications, and public service. Councillor Moore spent many years helping organizations communicate better, support communities and connect with people,
including assisting with communications around the Millennium Bug campaign,
which involved dealing with public anxiety, technical confusion, and dramatic headlines.
Councillor Moore believes her journalism background will inform her role as Mayor, with the speaker humorously noting she will likely serve with better punctuation than most of us as well.
Following Councillor Moore's acceptance speech, the meeting moved to a vote of thanks to the retiring Mayor, Councillor Christine Catterall. Councillor Moore then took the statutory declaration of acceptance of office and signed it. The Chief Executive then notified members of the Mayor's appointments for the Municipal Year: Mr. Justin Moore as Consul, Councillor Fraser Brooks as Deputy Mayor, Miss Alison Hartshorn as Deputy Mayoress, and Reverend Cathy Knight Scott as Chaplain.
