Councillor Patricia McAllister was elected as the new Lord Mayor of Westminster for the ensuing year. The council also adopted recommendations regarding the allocation of seats on its standing committees.

Election of Lord Mayor

Councillor Patricia McAllister was elected as the Lord Mayor of Westminster for the coming year. Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg nominated Councillor McAllister, highlighting her extensive public service career, including 30 years with the Department of Work and Pensions and her work with people with special needs. He also noted her popularity as a councillor, having received the highest number of votes in the past four elections, and her significant contributions as chair of various policy and scrutiny committees, including the pension fund committee, which saw a substantial increase in funding. Councillor Ruth Bush seconded the nomination, emphasizing Councillor McAllister's commitment to social justice, her dedication to casework, and her strong community ties. Councillor McAllister, in her acceptance speech, expressed her honour and privilege in taking on the role, pledging to serve with compassion, integrity, and dedication. She announced her chosen charities for her term: The Passage, which supports people experiencing homelessness, and The Keras Network, which supports unpaid carers.

Constitutional Issues

The council adopted two recommendations concerning the allocation of seats on its standing committees. The first recommendation, which was adopted, dealt with the allocation of places on the standing committees. The second recommendation, also adopted, confirmed the proportional division of seats on these committees. These decisions were made in accordance with the report of the Director of Law.

Report on Key Decisions

A report on the use of the special urgency procedure for the period 2022 to 2023 was presented for noting by the council. This report detailed decisions made under this procedure during the specified period.

Lord Mayor's Communications

The council received communications from the Lord Mayor, including the appointment of Father Michael Yerovich as his chaplain. Father Michael Yerovich, who has had a varied career as a lab technician, medical doctor in the Royal Navy, and in the NHS, also offered a moment of reflection and a blessing. He spoke of his surprise at being asked to be chaplain and his admiration for Councillor McAllister's knowledge and helpfulness. He also highlighted his own work with the Lejeune clinic for children with Down syndrome and his support for The Passage charity due to his medical links.

The presentation of the past Lord Mayor's badge and vote of thanks to Councillor Hamza Taouzzale and his consorts was postponed to a future council meeting due to a family bereavement.