Polish mayor takes over from ‘theatrical, singing’ figurehead

By Harrison Galliven, Local Democracy Reporter

Merton has appointed its new mayor for the upcoming year.

Councillor Slawek Szczepanski, who first moved to the borough 20 years ago, said: “It’s hard to believe that I’m sitting in front of you all. If you asked me 20 years ago if I would ever have been mayor, I would have said no, get lost, no chance, but here I am.”

Cllr Szczepanski first worked in construction before leading the Pollards Hill-based Polish Family Association (PFA), which supports Eastern European communities across Merton and South London.

The Poznan-born councillor has also won praise for his efforts to welcome Ukrainian refugee families into the borough.

During the annual council meeting on Wednesday, Cllr Szczepanski took over the ceremonial attire from the outgoing civic mayor Gill Manly.

In his maiden speech, he told the chamber: “It is with immense pride that I honour this historic moment.

“Today is a day of immense pride and gratitude; a day that marks a significant milestone, not only for me but for all the Polish, Eastern European and Ukrainian communities that have journeyed towards this moment.

“Twenty years ago I arrived in the UK as a migrant from Poland with dreams and hope. My journey began in construction, a sector where many migrants find their first opportunities.

“As a migrant, I endured the pain of separation from loved ones, the struggle to learn a new language and the effort to integrate into a new culture.

“I became a volunteer, driven by the desire to give back to the community that welcomed me. Today, as I accept the honour of serving as your mayor, I do so with a commitment to continue this work with compassion and integrity.

“My journey as a volunteer to this esteemed position is a testament that in our borough, no dream is too big and no barrier too unbeatable.”

Pictured top: The handover between Gill Manly (left) and Slawek Szczepanski (Picture: Merton council)