Next Mayor Of Merton Is Elected

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Long-serving councillor gets role

The new Mayor of Merton will be David Williams, the Conservative councillor for Wimbledon's Hillside ward.

Councillor Williams, a former council leader, will be invested at Merton's annual council meeting on May 16, when current Mayor Councillor Gilli Lewis-Lavender’s time in the position comes to an end.

Living in the borough most of his life, Councillor Williams attended Hatfeild Primary School and remains an active member of the community.

He has been a councillor in Merton for 35 years as well as serving as a magistrate and a school governor in the borough. He was Deputy Mayor 30 years ago.

Councillor David Williams said: "It will be a particular honour to serve as Mayor during the Diamond Jubilee celebrations and Olympics. I am deeply touched that my nomination has received cross-party support from the council and I look forward to representing the borough as Merton’s First Citizen in 2012 - 13.

"In the meantime, I – along with my councillor colleagues – will continue to support the excellent work that the current Mayor, Councillor Gilli Lewis-Lavender is undertaking on behalf of all Merton’s residents."

Councillor Debbie Shears, Leader of the Conservative Opposition in Merton, said: "The Conservative Group was very pleased to nominate Councillor Williams to the position of Mayor Elect for next year. Whilst Leader of the Council he was responsible for raising the standard of the Council from fair to excellent as judged by the Audit Commission."

November 29, 2011