The meeting saw the election of the mayor for 2025-6.¹ Even though Havering’s mayoralty is non-executive, it has significant powers. Havering’s multi-party council means the mayor’s casting vote is decisive whenever there’s a tied vote. The principal duty of the mayor is as an ambassador for the council.

The meeting itself was riveting for political geeks. Speeches of congratulation to the out-going mayor, Gerry O’Sullivan, were gushing. Dilip Patel’s “amazing work”, Gillian Ford’s “incredible year” and Christine Vickery’s, “a lot of fun” give a flavour of the contributions. Gerry himself said it had been “wonderful”.

The meeting continued with Ray Morgon’s tour d’horizon, which stressed HRA’s achievements.

His devotion to lobbying is undiminished. Ray is lobbying for Fairer Funding for local authorities. He made a throwaway remark about the government loan, £100m+, which glossed over Havering’s financial disaster. The chances of a Conservative outer-London borough successfully lobbying for additional funding in the current economic situation is nil. Ray has a cast-iron case but that isn’t enough politically speaking.² Ray remains a True Believer in lobbying.

Ray identified his transport successes achieved in the last year. Of especial note was the Gallows Corner renewal programme, the SuperLoop bus service and possibly Beam Park station. Interestingly the East Havering Data Centre isn’t a done deal but the reason why not wasn’t even hinted at.

His laboured references to Crystal Palace’s success didn’t entertain or inform. It was a relief, even for geeks, when the meeting ended after an hour or so.

Notes

1 The new mayor is Sue Ospreay, her deputy is Barry Mugglestone.

2 Havering’s Election: An Undemocratic Democracy? – Politics in Havering The political consequences of Austerity were felt by Havering’s two Conservative MPs who nearly lost their seats last year.