Outgoing leader of Merton council, Stephen Alambritis, is made an MBE

By Tara O’Connor, Local Democracy Reporter

The outgoing leader of Merton council has been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Councillor Stephen Alambritis has been made an MBE for services to local government in South London.

He has been leader for 10 years, the longest serving leader of Merton.

Last month he announced that he would be stepping down from the role on November 18.

Cllr Alambritis had a career at the Federation of Small Businesses and has been a member of the Better Regulation Task Force at the Cabinet Office, and a Commissioner at both the Disability Rights Commission and the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

He said: “It has been an absolute privilege to lead Merton council and to serve the diverse communities in a place which I am proud to call home.

“I share this recognition with everyone I have worked in partnership with – the residents, councillors, council officers, voluntary groups, businesses and community organisations – to achieve more for our borough.”

The Queen’s Birthday Honours list was due to be published in June, but was postponed so that doctors, nurses and volunteers could be nominated for their work during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Pictured top: Merton council’s offices