Appointment of Sutton’s New Mayor - at the borough’s first ever virtual Annual Council meeting

Last night, Sutton Council held its first ever virtual Annual Council meeting where Councillor Trish Fivey was appointed as the new Mayor of Sutton.

In a break with tradition, Cllr Fivey gave her acceptance speech not in the usual Mayoral Chains but in a unique ‘Chain of Office’ made by the children of key workers from Devonshire Primary School, in Sutton South ward, where she is the local councillor. Each of the medallions represent different groups of key workers.

Cllr Fivey was born in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland and was one of nine children. She represented Northern Ireland in netball.

Cllr Fivey has been a Sutton councillor since 2014 and has lived in the borough for over 39 years where she brought up her two daughters and founded a number of successful businesses. 

It is particularly good timing that Cllr Fivey has been elected as Mayor during Mental Health Awareness Week 2020, as this year the Mayor has chosen Sutton Mental Health and Home Start as her two charities. She will also continue her support to the Chris Donovan Trust which works with offenders to try and help them understand the consequences of their crime on their victims.

On her appointment, Cllr Fivey said “It is an honour and a privilege to serve this borough where I have lived for 39 years, worked and raised my family. I am committed to serving the people of Sutton with energy, pride and integrity.

“During the difficult times we are living through many residents face mental health issues and challenges in maintaining a normal family life. I am delighted to have selected Sutton Mental Health and Home Start - two organisations carrying out vitally important work locally - as my Mayoral charities for 2020-21. In these extraordinary and challenging times we are living in, their work will become ever more important.” 

At last night’s meeting, Cllr Richard Clifton placed on record the Council’s grateful thanks to Cllr Muhammad Sadiq for his service as Mayor of the London Borough of Sutton during the past municipal year, along with his deputy, Cllr Annie Moral.

Cllr Moral will stay on in the role as Deputy Mayor for the next year.

Cllr Moral said “Trish is an exceptional woman with many qualities vital for this role. I very much look forward to our Mayoral year together.”

Mental Health Support in Sutton

Each one of us is affected at this time. Whatever your situation, and however you are feeling, it is OK to ask for help. Sutton Community Hub has support ready in Sutton - made up of dedicated local volunteers and professionals. Email coronavirushelp@sutton.gov.uk or call 020 8770 5000, option 6.

Sutton Mental Health can be contacted on 020 8770 0172, Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm.

If you are in urgent need please contact Samaritans on 116 123.