The Council met to award the Freedom of the Borough to Marion James. This highest civic honour was bestowed upon Ms. James in recognition of her extensive and dedicated service to the London Borough of Sutton, particularly in the fields of social care and support for vulnerable residents.

Award of the Freedom of the Borough to Marion James

The Council unanimously voted to award the Freedom of the Borough to Marion James. This prestigious honour recognises Ms. James's eminent services to the borough and her unwavering commitment to shaping services which enhance the lives of young people, families and vulnerable residents. ¹

Councillor Barry Lewis, Leader of the Council, proposed the motion, highlighting Ms. James's dedication to residents and her work as Chair of the People Committee. He noted her complete refusal to compromise when standing up for residents and her tireless efforts to ensure they received the right outcomes. Councillor Lewis also acknowledged her particular commitment to carers and young carers.

Numerous councillors and guests spoke in support of the award, painting a picture of a dedicated public servant who has made a significant impact on the lives of many in Sutton. Councillor Sunita Gordon spoke of Ms. James's deep commitment to public service, stating, Public service has never simply been something Marion has done. It has been who she is. She highlighted Ms. James's foundational work as the founding chief executive of Sutton Carers Centre and her subsequent role as a councillor, where she championed care-experienced young people, strengthened services for vulnerable adults, and supported the development of children's homes.

Councillor Rob Beck focused on Ms. James's significant contributions to corporate parenting, ² the council's collective responsibility for looked-after children and care leavers. He emphasised her role as chair of Sutton's Corporate Parent Forum, where she ensured that care leavers had a voice and were recognised as the most important people in the room.

Councillor Paul Cole shared an example of Ms. James's commitment through Sutton's nationally recognised parenting programmes, noting her encouragement of officers and volunteers to showcase their work at a national conference. He also highlighted her thoughtful gestures, such as commissioning local artists to create unique pieces of art for the parent group leaders.

Councillor Colin Steers recalled Ms. James's early days as a councillor, noting her clear vision and dedication to safeguarding. He also acknowledged her pivotal role in merging adult and children's social care into a single People Committee.

Ruth Dombey, former Councillor and former Leader of the Council, spoke of the courage required for the role of lead member for adult and children's services, a role Ms. James held with commitment, compassion and, above all, courage. She commended Ms. James's behind-the-scenes work with council officers and voluntary sector partners, and her advocacy for carers, which led to caring being recognised as a protected characteristic in the borough.

Simon Breeze, Chief Executive of Community Action Sutton, praised Ms. James for embodying the best of a public servant and for her tireless work supporting and advocating for charities in the borough.

Bobby Dean MP described Ms. James as being made of silk and steel, possessing both conviction and care. He highlighted her private gestures of kindness and her relentless focus on ensuring the most vulnerable children in the borough had a voice and received the best possible support.

Luke Taylor MP echoed these sentiments, noting Ms. James's respect among councillors across the chamber and her generosity with her time. He particularly emphasised her dedication to instilling the importance of corporate parenting in new councillors.

Following the speeches, the Council voted unanimously to award the Freedom of the Borough to Marion James. Certificates and flowers were accepted on her behalf by Nick and Elena, who expressed their gratitude and sadness that Ms. James could not be present to receive the honour in person. They conveyed Ms. James's deep commitment to the borough and its residents, stating, Your heart is always in the right place and your intention is always to serve others and to make a difference.