A home that is affordable. A job that pays a decent wage. A neighbourhood that Is beautiful and clean. Our parents growing older in good health and independence. Our children getting a great education and getting ahead in life. A community free from crime that has a strong sense of pride and identity.  

These are the basic things in life that every person, whatever their background or status should be able to enjoy. They are the priorities of our administration because time and again residents of this incredible borough tell us so. 

The new administration is deeply humbled to have once again been elected to govern our borough last week, and I am grateful for the trust that has been placed in me to once again lead the council.  

The new cabinet was announced on Tuesday (12 May).

Despite the challenges we have all faced over the last decade, our administration has been focused on making sure we deliver for residents.  

Whether it is thousands more genuinely affordable homes, tens of thousands more jobs, more trees and parks, better roads and pavements, great schools and transformed social care, our track record of delivering on the promises we make has been and will continue to be the hallmark of how we go about our business. 

We will continue to ensure that we run our council with ruthless efficiency, keeping council tax as low as possible whilst investing in the things that matter most.  

With a better financial settlement from a new government, this administration will be re-investing into the front line services that have had to take the brunt of the cuts under austerity that forced councils up and down the country to prioritise the growing demands of family breakdown, homelessness and those within our families in need of care, all of which still remain.  

Our values will be at the heart of our decisions. Ensuring that everything we do supports and builds families and community networks to help and support one another during good times and bad. Ensuring every part of our borough, in every one of our 7 towns, gets to benefit from a growing economy and a better standard of living. Ensuring that everybody has the power and control over their own life and their community, and can play their full part in deciding our collective future.  

In the coming weeks, we will be making some exciting announcements about the future of our borough, and the change we will continue to deliver to ensure it remains truly the Queen of London’s suburbs. One of the best places in the world to live, work and enjoy.  

Thank you for entrusting us to deliver for you once again.