New leader of council is announced

By Davina Hyde

The leader and deputy leader elect of Merton council have been announced.

Following the council elections earlier this month, the Labour Party was returned as the council’s administration.

At a meeting on Wednesday, May 11, the council’s Labour Group chose a new leader, Councillor Ross Garrod, who represents Longthornton Ward in Mitcham.

He is expected to be confirmed as the new leader of Merton council tomorrow, along with Cllr Eleanor Stringer, who represents Wandle Ward in Wimbledon, proposed as his deputy leader.

Councillor Garrod’s cabinet will also be confirmed at the meeting.

Councillor Garrod said: “Growing up in Mitcham, it is a dream come true to be elected to be the leader-elect of the borough that I live in and love.

“I am so grateful to have won the support of my colleagues to do that and unleash the ambition of Merton.

“I would like to thank the residents of Longthornton ward for putting their trust in me to represent them.

“I vow to them and to all residents across Merton, that my cabinet and I are focussed on delivering for them from day one.

“I will nurture a sense of civic pride from the ground up, cleaner streets, more affordable housing and improving opportunities for everyone to be active in our great sporting borough.”

Councillor Garrod grew up in Mitcham, attending Benedict Primary, Priory Middle School and then Rutlish High School.

During the pandemic he volunteered with St John’s, delivering the vaccine rollout, and volunteers at Figges Marsh Junior Park Run.

Pictured top: Cllr Ross Garrod, the new leader of Merton council (Picture: Merton council)