Newly elected councillors have pledged to serve the residents of Sutton, vowing to be dedicated local champions for their communities.

The commitment was made during a full council meeting on Monday, July 13, 2026, where the new 'strong executive model' of governance was a key topic of discussion.

Councillor Jake Short, who proposed the motion Delivering for Sutton's Neighbourhoods, emphasised the importance of local councillors championing their areas under the new model. He stated, Each and every one of us, regardless of party, has a primary duty to do the best by our residents in everything we do. The motion aims to ensure the principle of devolved decision-making is embedded in the council's new Corporate Plan and that local councillors continue to champion their areas under the new 'strong executive model'. [1]

This sentiment was echoed by many new councillors who delivered their maiden speeches, expressing their gratitude to residents and their determination to make a difference. Councillor Jenna Hartley-Smith spoke powerfully about empowering communities and the need for collaboration, stating, Our residents don't want things done to them. They want things done with them. She highlighted concrete steps such as clearing the Beverly Brook and installing enclosed bins, and the importance of doing it together with groups like the Friends of Cuddington and local schools. She also referenced the success of the Friends of Oaks Park in transforming a historic building, a project that involved a council grant, volunteer dedication, and a cafe donation, as a prime example of successful collaboration.

Councillor Jayne McCoy provided a stark contrast between the new 'strong executive model' and the previous committee system. She explained that under the committee system, every councillor in this chamber sits on a policy committee... you can shape and decide the key policies of the council. You have a vote. You can amend decisions before they are made. In contrast, the strong executive model, she described, works more like the cabinet system that we see in Westminster. All the decisions are made by just a few appointed executive councillors. The rest of us are just there to scrutinise. There is less public decision-making, so there's less transparency. And scrutiny tends to be post-decision, which is frankly too late to make much of a difference. Councillor McCoy expressed a preference for the committee system, deeming it collaborative. It's more transparent. It allows challenge. Challenge makes for better decisions. Transparency means accountability. And wider participation means a variety of voices and representatives are heard. She noted that the strong executive model concentrates power in the hands of the few and reduces transparency. And it disempowers backbenches of all parties, including the administration, reducing them to the sidelines rather than being active participants in the big decisions. However, she acknowledged that the council must adapt to the executive model and pledged to make it work, aiming for collaborative cross-party working, continued challenge, and transparency, while noting that local committees would continue to empower residents.

Beyond general pledges, councillors are already working to enact their commitments. Councillor Short noted that in just over the two months since the election, we've all been working hard to get things done for our communities... That's getting things sorted for our residents, advocating for them and making decisions collectively in committees for the good of Sutton's residents. Councillor Rob Lee highlighted upcoming improvements such as road surface repairs and unblocking drains, while Councillor Tom Foster committed to direct engagement with Hackbridge residents. Councillor Melody Thorpe pointed to local committees as a key vehicle for residents to challenge, question, and shape their areas.

However, the implementation of the 'strong executive model' has also raised questions. An amendment proposed by Councillor Nick Mattey and seconded by Councillor Dave Tchil sought a more detailed implementation plan for neighbourhood governance, questioned the funding of initiatives like the Youth Hub, and suggested exploring more durable forms of local government such as town or community councils. Councillor Mattey also raised concerns about the equitable distribution of work tackling deprivation across all wards. Councillor Tchil questioned the allocation of funds to local committee chairs and suggested reinvesting this money into community projects.

Other key priorities and challenges identified by councillors include electoral reform, with Councillor Lisa Webster advocating for a move away from the First Past the Post (FPTP) system towards proportional representation (PR). Councillors also discussed support for Fairtrade, with Councillor Judy Walsh proposing a motion to renew support, and Councillor Israel Owoade seconding, emphasizing fair prices and environmental standards. Amendments to the Fairtrade motion, however, criticized council business partnerships contributing to CO2 emissions and suggested a focus on local processing and tackling climate change.

Concerns were also raised about vulnerable residents and extreme temperatures, with Councillor Melody Thorpe inquiring about council actions. Councillor Gemma Munday outlined communications for keeping homes cool and the availability of cool spaces. Councillor Thorpe followed up on longer-term adaptation of housing to the climate crisis, with Councillor Jake Short discussing adapting social housing stock.

Road safety and vulnerable road users were also on the agenda, with Councillor Dave Schell asking about improvements. Councillor Christopher Woolmer stated that the council submits an annual highway improvement programme to TfL focusing on speed reduction and road safety. Supplementary questions sought elaboration on improvements for vulnerable road users, particularly on London Road.

Councillor Asaf Hirani questioned the impact of government and mayor's Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) changes, with Councillor Jake Short expressing disappointment over the potential funding risk for infrastructure projects.

Councillor Trish Fivey inquired about legal action regarding flags on lampposts, with Councillor Barry Lewis stating the council is seeking to understand the Oxfordshire injunction and whether similar action could be taken in Sutton.

Councillor Luni Sabharwal inquired about changes to park facilities and visitor numbers, with Councillor Christopher Woolmer noting that changes are not anticipated to significantly alter visitor numbers but that follow-up on ideas for working with cafes would occur. A supplementary question highlighted increased demand due to new tennis courts and the desire of local schools to use the park, noting limitations due to inadequate toileting facilities.

Councillor Joe Elgarf asked about engaging parents and children on national SEND reforms, with Councillor Gemma Munday explaining the council's plan to co-produce reforms with parents and young people.

Several questions from the public and Councillor Tom Foster related to the new tenant of Throwley Yard, Globals. Concerns were raised about the use of a single-purpose vehicle, financial risk, the company's track record, job security, and community benefits. Councillor Barry Lewis responded by detailing due diligence and emphasizing that Globals would bring vitality and footfall to the area, aligning with the economic growth plan.

[1] See Agenda Supplement Amendments 13th-Jul-2026 19.30 Council (https://moderngov.sutton.gov.uk/documents/b16471/Agenda%20Supplement%20Amendements%2013th-Jul-2026%2019.30%20Council.pdf?T=9)