The Council of Croydon Council met on Wednesday 15 April 2026, with the primary business being the appointment of an Honorary Recorder and the approval of significant changes to the Council Procedure Rules. The meeting also featured valedictory speeches from several councillors marking the end of their terms.

Appointment of Honorary Recorder

His Honour Judge Edward Connell was appointed as the Honorary Recorder of the London Borough of Croydon. This ceremonial role, which follows established convention, serves to maintain the link between the borough and the Crown Court. Judge Connell, who took up his post as Resident Judge at Croydon Crown Court at the start of the year, brings extensive experience from his career at the criminal bar. The appointment was made unanimously.

Proposed Changes to Council Procedure Rules

The Council approved significant changes to its Council Procedure Rules (CPRs), aimed at making meetings more efficient and ensuring preparedness for potential shifts in the political composition of the Council following the May 2026 elections. These changes, recommended by the General Purposes Committee, will introduce a political proportionality approach to debating reports, considering amendments, and moving motions.

Key amendments include:

• Written Questions: A new framework for written questions to the Executive Mayor and Cabinet will be implemented, with a limit of 35 questions per meeting allocated based on political proportionality. A review of this system will take place after two ordinary meetings.
• Public Petitions: The number of speaking slots for public petitions will be reduced from four to two, with specific time allocations for the lead petitioner, administration, and opposition speakers.
• Questions to the Executive Mayor and Cabinet: The total time for oral questions will increase to between 70 and 77 minutes, with time allocated proportionally to political groups, ensuring a minimum of two minutes per group or independent member. A rotational format will be introduced, with the Leader of the Opposition asking the first question.
• Council Debate Motions: The allocation of motions for debate will be based on political proportionality over a four-year term, with a total of 40 motions available.
• Reports Moved for Debate: Speaking slots for debates on reports will be allocated based on political proportionality, with specific provisions for the Administration and Main Opposition groups.
• Budget and Council Tax Setting Meetings: The time for questions to the Executive Mayor and Cabinet Member for Finance will be extended to 30 minutes each. Public questions will be permitted at these meetings for the first time. The rules for speaking slots during the Council Tax debate have also been revised.
• Policy Decisions: The rules for debating policy decisions have been updated to reflect political proportionality.

These changes aim to ensure that meetings are conducted effectively and that all political groups have appropriate opportunities to participate, particularly in the lead-up to and aftermath of the local elections.

Valedictory Speeches

The meeting concluded with valedictory speeches from several councillors who were stepping down. Councillors shared reflections on their time in service, highlighting key achievements and personal experiences.

Councillor Maria Gatland, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, spoke of her 24 years as a ward councillor, emphasizing her work in children's services, including the establishment of family hubs and the Precious House children's home.

Councillor Alisa Flemming spoke movingly about the sacrifices of public life and the importance of unity and community spirit in Croydon. She also paid tribute to Councillor Karen Jewitt for her extensive community work.

Councillor Mario Creatura reflected on his 12 years as a councillor, referencing his casework and his role as Chief Whip. He stressed the importance of optimism and a belief in making a difference.

Councillor Sherwin Chowdhury spoke of his two decades of service, including his time as Mayor, and his commitment to social justice and community support.

Councillor Fatima Zaman thanked colleagues for their support during her nearly four years as a councillor for Selhurstvale and Forestdale.

Councillor Callton Young OBE highlighted his successful campaign to remove the ban on certain music genres affecting black artists and his work as a Cabinet Member for Financial Governance and Chair of the Pension Committee.

Councillor Stuart Collins, the longest-serving councillor with 33 years of service, spoke about his commitment to local government and his work in areas such as Clean and Green Croydon, including numerous community clean-ups and prosecutions for fly-tipping. He also advocated for Captain Sensible to be granted the Freedom of the Borough.

The Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Stuart King, and the Executive Mayor, Mayor Jason Perry, delivered votes of thanks, acknowledging the significant contributions of the departing councillors and their collective years of service. The Civic Mayor, Councillor Richard Chatterjee, also expressed gratitude for the dedication and commitment shown by all councillors stepping down.

The meeting marked the last full council meeting of the municipal year, with the next scheduled for 27 May 2026, which will be the Annual Council meeting.