Merton By Election Called After Labour Councillor Resignation

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He steps down saying the job has taken a toll on his health

By Tara O'Connor, Local Democracy Reporter

After a year representing residents in Merton’s Cannon Hill ward, a Labour councillor has stepped down.

Mark Kenny (pictured above), stepped down from his Merton Council position on Wednesday, May 15, saying the job had taken a toll on his health.

In a statement, Mr Kenny said: “A year ago I was very proud to be elected by the residents of the ward, and I am proud to have represented them to the best of my ability. I love the community and will miss representing it.

“However, being a councillor involves long hours and hard work, often unseen, and the job has taken its toll on my health.

“It is not a decision I have taken lightly or without a great deal of discussion with my family.”
His council colleagues rushed to show their support for the former councillor.

In a tweet, council leader Councillor Stephen Alambritis said: “I would like to thank former Cllr Mark Kenny for his service to Cannon Hill ward and to devoting so many hours to making Merton a great place.

“He remains a good friend to me and to his Labour Group colleagues and I wish him and his family all the best for the future.”

And Abbey ward’s Councillor Eleanor Stringer described the resignation as a “sad loss”.

She added: “Mark Kenny has been a huge source of support to me, and worked so hard for his residents, often cycling to their homes to personally update them on issues he was solving.”

A by-election for the Cannon Hill Ward has now been called and will take place on Thursday, June 20.

The nomination process for candidates is opens on Thursday, May 16, and closes at 4pm on Thursday, May 23. Candidates will be announced the following day.

To vote in the by-election, residents must register to vote by midnight on June 4.

May 18, 2019