19 April (Part 2) - The love-in continues
This is an ongoing time intensive project which will be augmented as time permits. The first five eulogies below are from the first 15% only of the overall run time. This blog will take several days to complete.
Councillor Wendy Perfect (Labour)
Two and a half hours into last week’s Council meeting it was
retiring Labour Councillor Wendy Perfect’s turn to speak. It is not easy to
become a Councillor she said. Getting selected and getting elected and then
serving the electorate. “It is not easy when Local Government is starved of
cash” but she believed “that Councillors on both sides of the Chamber wished
to serve residents well”.
She said she had been a Labour Party supporter since the age of twelve and
never changed although she did once stand for the Charlton Athletics
supporters party in Greenwich. “Charlton needed help more than Labour in
Greenwich. 290 votes for a one issue party. The highlight of the past four years has been the election of Daniel Francis MP. A fantastic MP. I am very
proud of him. It has also been a joy to work alongside Councillor Baljeet Gill in Northumberland Heath.”
Councillor Lisa Moore (Conservative)
“Tonight we say farewell to 14 Councillors plus one. {Esther Amaning who is seeking election in an unwinnable ward.]
They have shaped this borough in ways that will be felt for many years to
come. I will speak about four remarkable women”.
“Cheryl Bacon because she is the reason I am standing here. We met and
became friends at a children’s poolside and before I knew it I was out
canvassing at weekends. Thank you Cheryl for encouraging me to take the leap into local politics.”
“Baroness O’Neill who has given 28 years of service to this borough. You
welcomed me with warmth and generosity and your commitment to residents has
been extraordinary. Your kindness will stay with me for ever.”
“Councillor Sue Gower. What a privilege to be part of your Mayoral team,
your warmth, authenticiy, leadership, integrity and unending energy sets a
standard for all of us. I am honoured to have had you as my friend.”
“Councillor Perfect and I served together on Committees and she asked
questions that needed to be asked and came from genuine care.”
“My ward husband Andy Dourmoush, a steady source of support and I am
grateful for the partnership we shared. Thank you.”
Councillor Zainab Asunramu (Labour)
“I speak of my dear friend Mabel Ogundayo. We first met at University in the
East Midlands. Focused, determined, grounded and a lot of fun. Her impact
cannot be ignored. We met again while both working for Amnesty International
UK. The same values, the same passion, the same unwavering belief in
justice. And then we found ourselves as Thamesmead East colleagues which
I will always be grateful for. She has given over three terms and so much of
herself to Bexley, not for recognition and titles but because she genuinely
cares. She fought Peabody and fought for families and has been governor of three schools.”
“Mabel is a true friend and ally in both words and actions pushing for change
even when it is not popular. She will make a difference wherever she goes.”
Note: This is but a short sub-set
of the accolades showered on Councillor Ogundayo. F om what I have seen, all well deserved.
Councillor Anna Day (Labour)
“Ward colleague Stef has been great and will be missed and we have not had a
cross word in four years. He concentrated on his beloved trains and buses and I
on housing, health and community safety but I absolutely won’t miss him as a
passenger telling me the routes I should have taken and gesticulating at anybody
who gets in the way. We message each other umpteen times a day and I will
continue to send him photos of my cats.”
She thanked Council officers and urged them to join a union.
Residents were asked to remember that May 7th is a local election and not a
verdict on the Labour government. “Vote for local Councillors on what
they have achieved, not on sound bites. Make sure you vote based on positive
messages and for Councillors who can be trusted to put residents to the forefront of their decisions.”
Councillor Chris Taylor (Conservative)
Councillor Taylor wished all Conservatives “the very best in their future
endeavours but I want to particularly pay tribute to Baroness O’Neill, one of my
closest friends. She has dedicated 28 years of her life to the betterment of
Bexley residents. She has been instrumental in putting Bexley on the map. Bexley
is a special place. The Leader has delivered the new Civic site and much needed
family housing [the monstrosity on the old Civic site].”
She has regenerated Thamesmead and Sidcup High Street and saved the Queen Mary
Hospital site. A leading part in saving Bexley’s police station, I could go on and on.
“As Boris Johnson’s Outer London adviser she put Bexley’s interests front and centre
and we have all benefited. We are rightly proud.”
“I couldn’t have asked for a better ward colleague. Her commitment to residents
of Crook Log has been second to none. We will miss her greatly but her biggest impact is as a friend.”
“When I lost my seat in 2014 [to UKIP] I was devastated. Being a Councillor had
been so much part of my life and I felt I could not see the light at the end of
the tunnel. Madam Mayor, Baroness O’Neill was there for me. She doesn’t realise
how she kept me going at a very difficult time in my life and I will be forever
grateful. There will be others here with similar stories. She gave me the two
best jobs I have ever had. Cabinet Member for Adults’ Services and latterly of
Children and Families. I thank her for her faith in me.
“Baroness O’Neill is one of those rarities in politics who chose to step away
from power at a time of her own choosing. She can now add value to Bexley in the
House of Lords. She can protect our green spaces. Bexley Council’s loss is the
Upper House’s gain. We will miss you Teresa.”
Councillor Mabel Ogundayo (Labour)
“It has been the honour of my life to serve the residents
of Thamesmead for twelve years. My first aspirations were to change how people
saw politics. What politicians looked like, what they sounded like and where they came
from and I hope I have been able to do that. There are some things I won’t
miss, like sending emails in the middle of the night or taking on case work that
should take a day and instead takes up two years. I will miss the
community and the people I have been able to have a positive impact on.”
“I must thank great Council and ward colleagues like Zainab Asunramu who was
chair of the Afro-Caribbean Society when we met at university and it has been a
pleasure to know you and you will continue to do great things for this Council. Thank you so much.”
“Councillor Esther hear hear Amaning, we joined the Council at the same time and I want to thank you so much, We didn’t
understand what we were getting ourselves into but it has been amazing and
when you were my ward colleague we ran the Keep Thamesmead Tidy campaign and
we picked up lots of rubbish and did great stuff together. Esther has not
had the easiest couple of years but your resilience has inspired me. I don’t
know if you have seen Esther drive, but she recently gave up driving and
that is the best thing she could have done for anybody - and for Bexley! Me
driving you to meetings etc. has been one of the most pleasant times I have
ever had and I look forward to driving you to future lunch dates.”
“I would like to thank Stef, my fantastic Leader, while we may not always
agree, we do talk things through. I’d like to thank Officers and Peabody the
biggest landowner in Thamesmead and who made the greatest investment. When they
first arrived in Thamesmead I was very sceptical but over the years they
proved themselves to be a genuine partner and committed to Community focused
investment. They have done a really great job and with the DLR on the
horizon there are really great things to happen in Thamesmead. And to Peabody, if they are listening, please bring back the Youth Club.”
“To Councillors, thank you for making me the person I am today whether I
wanted it or not. You have helped me grow and I look forward to seeing a
Labour Council after May. Thank you everyone.”
Councillor Caroline Newton (Conservative)
“I’d like to take a few moments to thank all Members for putting
yourself forward for election in 2022 and for everything that has followed
since. The role is not easy and not always recognised. We serve our residents
with integrity, dedication and commitment. We have worked to run this borough in
the best interests of those we represent and it is something we should all be
proud of. Secondly I want to thank Officers who play a vital role in that day in and day out.”
“To Members who are not standing for re-election, thank you for your service
whether your time here has been short or long. Your contribution should not be under-estimated.
“Some colleagues I should like to recognise, firstly the three
amigos of West Heath. Councillor Davey, a long standing Councillor and party
activist always ready with an unfiltered view cutting straight to the heart of
the issue. To Councillor Read, someone I have worked closely with both in
Scrutiny and in Cabinet. His passion to care for young people has been clear
throughout and his leadership delivered an outstanding record in children’s
social care. And to Councillor Reader, a quiet supporter who always has a word
of encouragement or comfort and a capable and diligent chairman.”
“And Councillor Diment, I am sure Councillor Diment during his two terms has had
fuller work days than he ever had when in full time employment. His forensic
attention to detail, drive and professionalism have been evident in every role
he has held. I am personally grateful for his work in Education, helping to lay
the foundations for the progress we are now seeing. I wsih him a happy
retirement and lots of fun with your new grandson.”
“And finally but not last and not retiring in any sense, Baroness O’Neill. A
Leader, a mentor, a friend and above all a tireless advocate for our residents.
Another Leader of this borough often said being Council Leader is a lonely and
tough role. Any Officer I speak to, talks about her ability to master detail, to
challenge constructively to ensure everything we do delivers the right outcome
efficiently and effectively. It is her passion for doing her best for children
and young people that stands out. Her commitment and expertise has always been
clear. On a personal note I am deeply grateful for the support, guidance and
friendship she has shown to me and my family over many years and I echo
Councillor Taylor’s comments earlier. I am not sure she knows the impact of that support.”
“Her time as Leader of this Council has been truly remarkable, record breaking
in length amd significant in impact and I have no doubt that in the years ahead she
will be a powerful advocate in the House of Lords for this borough, for young
people and for local government. To those standing again, good luck and to all
of those stepping down, thank you. Your services mattered. Your work has made a
difference and this Council and this borough are better for it.
Councillor June Slaughter (Conservative)
“I always find the last meeting of a four year term something of a sad
occasion. You have been working with people on both sides of the Chamber and you
find they have decided not to seek re-election and you realise they are no
longer going to be part of everyday life.”
”This year I say farewell to my wonderful ward colleagues Cheryl Bacon and Richard Diment. Cheryl has just
completed 24 years, first elected in Brampton ward in 1998. A very good year
because also elected was Teresa O’Neill and Gareth Bacon. Cheryl did only one
term in Brampton ward but in 2006 was re-elected in Cray Meadows.”
“In those missing four years she and Gareth married and had a daughter. She represented
Cray Meadows for three terms and after ward re-organisation joined me in Sidcup
where Richard had been elected for the first time. He has held two Cabinet
positions and both he and Cheryl have politics coursing through their veins. I was
extraordinarily fortunate to have them as ward colleagues. I was very sad indeed
when they announced their not standing again. I shall miss them so much. Wonderful ward colleagues.”
“I must mention Councillor Baroness O’Neill who has served this Council with
great distinction. A Member for 28 years.”
“I also pay a special tribute to Councillor Peter Reader. I found myself as his
Vice-Chairman of GP and Audit having never served on
the Committee before. I have learned much from him.”
“He is not of course the only Member from the 1968 intake, Councillor Philip Read
is also retiring and their joint knowledge and experience will be a great loss.”
“Opposition Members are also leaving and I send good wishes to Councillors Anna
Day, Mabel Ogundayo and Wendy Perfect. Esther Amaning is standing again; I don’t
think we are going to see her back here again. Esther and Mabel were
especially kind to me when Michael [husband] died. I would like to thank all
colleagues on both sides of the Chamber for their kindness to me on the occasion
of my 50 years as a Councillor and the M.B.E.”
“I shall always remember the bouquet from my Labour friends. White roses with a
single red rose in the middle. Such class!”
“Finally, none of us knows what 7th May will bring. No one can guarantee being
re-elected, but, my friends, don’t worry about me. Even if you are not here after
May 7th, I will be. Thanks to you for making me an Alderman when I retire.”
Councillor Jeremy Fosten (Labour)
“in the interests of time [it was the longest speech so far at six minutes] I have but two Members I have to pay particular tribute to. First things first,
my amazing ward colleague Councillor Esther Amaning who we cannot discount
being the Labour Councillor for Blendon & Penhill after the election, but on
a serious note, Esther has a great many qualities and in typical politician
fashion I thought I would talk about how each of them has benefitted me.”
“It may interest Members to know that I did not know Esther very well before I was
selected as our candidate in Belvedere. I knew of Esther but it is impossible
not to if you are an active member of Bexley Labour Party, but I wasn’t very
close to her. So when I was short listed I thought I would contact both of the
Councillors to ask what they were looking for in a ward colleague.”
“Now I will save Councillor Hinkley’s outright refusal to talk to me until she
leaves this place but at least she answered. I called Esther three or four times
and did not manage to get through so the first benefit of being Esther’s ward
colleague is that she actually answers my phone calls. The second benefit of
being a colleague of Esther is the heckling. Now I am not a heckler myself but I
do enjoy the things Esther comes out with. And of course we are losing our strike
partnership of Esther and Wendy whose heckles I also enjoy.”
“But who could forget the silence after Esther said “Doesn‘t Live Here” in
reference to Councillor di Netimah. The funniest five minutes of a Council
meeting I have ever been at.”
“Esther has been through a lot in the past four years and I am not going to go
into the specifics of that but the last two years have shown me the strength of
Esther’s strength of character. Out of all of us, she is the one who smiles the
most and she is such a positive influence on the doorstep - and let me tell you
I would not have made it to the end of my by-election campaign without her.”
“By-election campaigns are particularly tiring and I remember turning up on a
cold Thursday evening with no other volunteers and Esther rang me to say she was
not planning on coming. When she heard I was alone she said I will be there in
five minutes young man, we have to do this. On another occasions it was sunny on
what would have been her grandson’s 18th birthday and she told me how she loved
being in the sunshine and it felt like God was smiling down on her.”
“Her faith has kept her strong all this time and that has been a real lesson for
me. If Esther can keep positive so can we. Finally on Esther, her support for me
as a new Member has been invaluable. Let me say I would not be able to stand
here as Deputy Leader of the Labour group without her support. Esther, whatever
you go on to do, you’ll keep smiling, you will keep uplifting others with the
kind spirit that you show anyone and as a token of my and Sally’s appreciation
and for twelve years of service, we have something for you. I will be around to part (?) it later.”
“The other Councillor I need to speak about is Councillor Anna Day. Anna is the
first person I ever met when I joined the Labour Party in 2017. Back then it was
so popular that not only 14 year olds like me were going to Labour meetings in
Sidcup but other Labour members were able to tell who was going and we have done
a helluva lot since then. We volunteered at Erith food bank together, we
counter-protested racism together and we have now
been colleagues on this Council together. Who would have seen that coming nine years ago?”
“What’s undeniable about Anna is that she is just a good person. I don’t think a
single Member of this Chamber could deny that. Whether you agree with her
politics or not her commitment to ensuring dignity for those who need housing in
Bexley is laudable. She wrote the Help for Housing leaflets we put out which
have been a lifeline for residents.”
“Time and again Anna has shown she cares deeply about the most vulnerable and
how to create a more equal society filled me with genuine hope.”
“Unfortunately Anna’s greatest strength is also her greatest weakness and that
is she is not a career politician. We need more decent people like Anna in
politics yet the fact that she is so decent is I suspect why we don’t. Her
Parliamentary campaign in 2019 filled me with genuine hope that someone so
caring might be a decision maker. It is to date the most uplifting campaign I
have ever worked on and that includes my own. I have never seen a candidate
quite like Anna Day and I suspect I won’t see one again. I am devastated that we
could not convince you to re-stand. So Anna, thank you for for being my
mentor but more importantly thank you for being my friend and if there is a
by-election in the next four years, be prepared for
being the first person I ask to stand.”
“And if I may take one small moment in regard of the members who are standing
for re-election, this election more than previous will be
a stark reminder to all of us nobody has the right to a seat in this Chamber. We
have to go out there and earn it. I hope to see more Labour Councillors elected;
I wish everybody the best of luck and to anyone who does end up losing their
seat on either side - commiserations and all the best going forward.”
Councillor Philip Read (Conservative)
“Thank you Madam Mayor. Those of you who have been told tonight that like Councillor Reader I was first
elected in 1968, I am astonished because I never thought I was that sort of age,
so I really do appreciate it. I’ll make reference to Councillor Borella who
talked about a photograph at The Valley and if anyone wants to see that
disgraceful photograph of the hooligan, I have it on my phone here.I would like
to thank him but also Councillor Leaf in particular and other Members for making
some very nice comments about me and I really do appreciate and value that. It
is very nice, very humbling in fact to hear it.”
“Madam Mayor, July 2010, after the election in May of that year. I spoke for the
first time at this Council saying saying it was around 40 years since I had last
spoken at a meeting of Bexley Council and in that time it was very obvious that
there had been a very noticeable increase in the demands on and responsibilities
of this authority but this increase has fortunately been matched by the improved
professionalism and expertise of both Members and staff. All my experiences over
the last 16 years have confirmed me in that belief. Members, by and large, and
Officers throughout the Council have demonstrated that increased professionalism
and involvement and that has been to the benefit of all the borough’s taxpayers.”
“Obviously though, Madam Mayor we do know that there are some residents who will
never believe that because it doesn’t fit their negative agenda and indeed we
have heard from one such person tonight and having seen it at first hand I know
it is true that the level of hard work and commitment by both Members and
Officers is exceptional. And I can say that about our staff because after
Chairing the Finance and Corporate Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee for
a couple of years I served as Cabinet Member for Children’s Services for ten years until May 2024.”
Those ten years gave me a clear understanding of the dedicated effort and
devotion of all our staff in the Children’s Service. It was ten years during
which the Service went from an OFSTED rating of Inadequate to two successive
judgments of Outstanding, something at that particular time was unique in London
and only happened once before in England. I am immensely proud to have been the
Cabinet Member when those two judgments were made and pay particular tribute to
the two outstanding Directors under whom they were achieved. Firstly Jackie
Tiotto and afterwards Stephen Kitchman who remains happily in that role
today. I know both Jackie and Stephen would agree with me that those results
were only achieved because of the concern for and dedication of every single
member of staff for our young people.”
“So I thank all those exceptional staff yet again for having achieved that
level of hard work and committed service to bring about those judgments.”
“And Mayor I would also like to thank Councillor Baroness Teresa O’Neill who
then of course was Leader of our Council for her trust and nelief in appointing
me to that role and her invaluable and continued support during those ten years.
I believe Teresa has, through her ability to think outside the proverbial box
helped make Bexley a much better place whilst seeing us through some very difficult times.”
“I want to say thank you also to many of our old colleagues, right across the
Council but in particular perhaps to my ward colleagues, over those 16 years,
including Peter Reader who I first met in the Young Conservatives, way back in
1964 and who like me was elected in 1968. Plus of course Alex Sawyer who is no
longer a Member of course, Melvin Seymour and John Davey who have represented
the same wards as me at different times over those sixteen years. Their support,
help anmd advice has been invaluable to me during that period of time. To all
other Members, including this lot over here, I also say thank you for, not
withstanding any patry political differences, I know that we all have the best
interests of Bexley and its residents at heart. That is a democratic strength
and it runs right through us all irrespective of which side of the Chamber we are on.”
“Finally Madam Mayor, there is one other person I wish to pay tribute to. This
peson works for Bexley Council and has done so for many years now, but to me
the hard work and professionalism that person brings to their role is secondary
to the support, advice and not infrequent tellings off handed out to me. I refer
of course to my wife Eva who does indeed deserve the medal that many people say
she should be awarded for putting up with me for 45 years.”
“So Madam Mayor, as far as I am concerned, that's it. I am now going to sit down,
safe in the knowledge that it is now a case of being here today and forgotten tomorrow.”
Councillor Janice Ward-Wilson (Conservative)
“Those of my colleagues who are standing again, I wish you success. To those of
you who have chosen to not stand again I salute you. Elected in 2022 as a new
Councillor among a large number of experienced and wise colleagues, I stood on
the shoulders of giants without whom I honestly can’t think what it would
have been like and of course the wise guidance of officers. The three
grandees of West Heath, you have meant more to me than you will ever know and I
thank you for your many years of service to the people of Bexley.”
“Councillor Diment, that ready reckoner brain; Cheryl Bacon whose wise words and
guidance I have always valued. Councillor Dourmoush. I enjoyed your year as
Mayor with your Deputy, Councillor Betts. My sisters on the Labour side; God
bless you and I wish you well. Madam Mayor, I know you are not leaving but for
those here who are leaving, I am sure they would want to join me, in payiong
tribute to you for your hard and dedicated work as Mayor this year. Serving as
Mayor is an honour as many in this Chamber would know and also a significant
commitment and those who are leaving will join me in thanking you tonight.
Madam Mayor your feet have hardly touched the ground as you presided over so
many engagements and ceremonies. We thank you and your Consort Mr. Dave Curtois
for your service this year and I thank you too for inviting me to be your Deputy
Mayor along with my Consort Mr. John Ward-Wilson and I hope the remainder of
your year continues to be successful and also thank the team that serves your position.”
“Councillor Sue Gower MBE, JP, the great influencer who tempted me many times to
stand and eventually got me there. I thank her for her determination, and as I
have spoken of my dear friend on previous occasions in this Chamber, I will
simply say thank you and a huge well done for your years of exemplary service.
You are a great role model and a credit to the office of Councillor. Thank you
for all your hard work as a ward Councillor and Cabinet Member and Mayor of Bexley in 25/26.”
“Lastly but not least, my highly esteemed and former Leader of this Council
Councillor Baroness O’Neill of Bexley OBE who has given over a quarter of a
century to public service in Bexley. First elected in 1998 and elected time and
time again by residents who clearly recognised her commitment and absolute
dedication to this borough. Her 17 years as Leader of this Council, she guided
Bexley with clarity and confidence and determination. Under her leadership the
Council remained strong and stable, winning successive elections and earning
Bexley a reputation across London for sound governance and strong financial
management. Your leadership over very many years has been transformational and
others here tonight have already spoken of your massive achievements.”
“It is your strong and steady leadership that stands out for me. The clarity of vision, of purpse
and brave determination to see things through is exceptional. Your values
of integrity and honesty have always been at the forefront of our ward
responsibilities and I have seen that throughout your work and dealings with
people. But what truly matters is what has that leadership delivered. From the
new Civic Offices saving taxpayers millions to the pandemic when she led with
calmness and compassion, making sure support reached residents when they needed
it most. Initiatives like the Community Champion Scheme and the Bexley Box
reflect not just leadership but genuine care for people. But let’s make it
personal. When I was elected you encouraged me, guided and supported me. When I
needed direction you showed me the way, helped me to stay focused and grounded.
Grounded me when I needed it and steered me away from many follies and dangers.
Together with Councillor Chris Taylor we have been a strong united ward team.
And if I’m privileged to be returned in May I will truly miss you here but I
know you will be speaking up for Bexley in the House of Lords and we are
grateful. Baroness, you are a true Conservative, a high achiever and your
massive input has shaped Bexley, but for me it is personal and I thank you
sincerely and from the heart. Thank you Madam Mayor.”
Councillor Bola Carew (Conservative)
“Thank you Madam Mayor, I would like to wish all our retiring colleagues well for
all your hard work supporting Bexley residents, you will greatly be missed. To
my ward colleague, Councillor Gower, you are the most experiemneced after we got
elected in Bexleyheath. Thank you for all your support and I did enjoy your
Mayoral year although I never told you that so thank you for being Mayor as well as a ward colleague.”
“To Baroness Tersa O’Neill, I really want to say thank you for all your
guidance and support throughout the last four years. I would not be where I am in
this journey without your belief in me, for every support you have given me,
especially last year when I almost lost my husband. You are the one person in
this Chamber that kept checking and asking how things were, so you will foever
be in my thoughts for standing with me at that difficult time of my year.”
“This evening, your tenure as Leader of the London Borough of Bexley, we can see has
been marked by defined unwavering commitment, steady leadership and a genuine
passion for public service. Through times of challenge and change you led with
resilience, wisdom and clarity of purpose. Your ability to bring people together, to listen
and to act decisively has left a lasting imprint on this Council and Bexley residents. Under your leadership this Council has not only
navigated complex issues but has continued to strive for excellence, supporting
residents, strengthening local services and shaping a borough we can all be
proud of. Your dedication to improving the lives of all others has been evident
in every decision, every initiative and every engagement with our community.”
“Beyond policies and achievements it is your character which stands out most.
Your integrity under great pressure and your deep strength of duty. You
led not just with authority but with [undecipherable]. As you step down from
your role as a Councillor, your legacy will endure and the progress made with
standards set and the inspiration you leave behind for current and future
Councillors, including, I say thank you for your service, your leadership and
your unwavering commitment to Bexley and your great support to my political
career. I wish you continued success, fulfillment and impact in all that lies ahead. Thank you very much.”
Councillor Rags Sandhu (Conservative)
“Thank you Madam Nayor. Madam Mayor, firstly, for the record, I know 1968 has
been referred to a few times today but like Councillor Borella I wasn’t around
then either. So Members will be aware that I, obviously, had the privilege of
being a Member of the Local Authority for just under four years now and
during that period of time I feel like I have learned a great deal, some of my colleagues will probably think I have learnt
nothing but I can assure you that I have learnt something, let’s say, umm, now I
often sit back and think how did I pick up what I have picked up in these last
four years because as has already been mentioned, because when you come into
this role itְ’s a lot to take on and you take it on overnight, so I would often
think have I learnt it just because of the training. Have I learnt it because I
have the ability to pick things up quicker or is it my personal approach to
things or what is it? But I believe I have narrowed it down and I am very
very confident I have picked up what I have and I have learnt what I
have due to our support network that we have around us. And that support network
starts from Officers, it starts right from the top all the way down every
department, irrespective of who we contact, we are always given, I have always
experienced, always given sound and upfront honest advice.”
“And the second support network is our network within this Chamber, and that
goes right the way across the Chamber because, putting politics aside, one thing
we all have in common is we are trying to do the best we can for our residents,
and I have had the privilege of working with some of the Members opposite and it
has been great. You know, every time you go to for advice and bits and pieces you
are always given an honest and upfront opinion.”
“Madam Mayor in the interests of saving time, I am not obviously going to mention individual names
because as has already been said, the list obviously is quite vast and it goes on, but what
I will say is that one thing I have picked up again is the fact that it is like
a big family, the network, and as Councillor Day said earlier, people outside
the Chamber don’t often realise that there is a lot that goes on behind the
scenes and we are all collaboratively working together for the right interests.”
“So I would like to say if you are one of the younger Members who is not going to
be returning but you have that passion and the drive, you might be that
individual, you might be one of the more experienced individuals who is not
going to come back through choice, but if you are that individual, that
Councillor, who sits there quietly; may not contribute a great deal, but when you
do you know it is words of wisdom, experience and professionalism that you are
contributing. You could be one of the longest serving Leaders of a London
Authority who now sits in the House of Lords. You could be a Cabinet Member,
who obviously, past and present Cabinet Members. You could be one of what I
always call the three brothers but it has been referred to today as the three
amigos and the three musketeers of West Heath. You could have a role up at the
Houses of Parliament, you could be working up there, you could be a past Mayor
of the borough or indeed you could be a Magistrate and one of my ward
colleagues. All I would say is whether yiou are returning or obviously not
returning, that is why I am thanking you but the point I was going to make is
that from the bottom of my heart I would like to say a thank you to all of you
because your contributions have been fantastic and amazing and a real
eye-opener for someone like me and to sort of guide me in the right direction I would hope
and I would like to say thank you in particular for giving me the opportunity
to work with you with so much talent and even when you look around, when I stand
here now and you look around at the amount of talent we have got here
sitting here tonight and sadly not necessarily going to be here after May, all
I can say is thank God we still have June Slaughter. Thank you very much Madam Mayor.”
Councillor Esther Amaning (Labour)
“Thank you Madam Mayor. It has been an honour and an absolute privilege for me to
serve as the Councillor for Lesnes Abbey ward, for Thamesmead East ward and now
Belvederee ward, it has been an absolute honour. Itְ’s been great. So it’s been
wonderful to be voted in in three terms and trusted to represent the people
especially in the north of the borough. It has been so rewarding making the
difference in representing people with their different needs on housing issues.
With Council Tax issues. With educational issues, all sorts, but my life changed
dramatically after my
tragic loss of my grandsons in March 2021 and my daughter.
I only kept going because, as my son said, because of my faith, and as my Bible
says and as my Bible reminds me in Psalms 28 Verse 7 it says the Lord is my
Strength and my Shield. In Him my heart trusts, and that helps and that is the
only way I keep going and keep just knowing that they live in eternity and I will meet them again.”
“But I am so grateful to all you Councillors, not just
round me but round me especially, but the Labour Group in particular my
colleague Stef who has been great, just, almost like Moses. He held
my hands up and really supported me, so kind. Just looked after me really
treated me like a secondary family. You know, people ringing you up checking up
on you, are you OK can I come round? Can I take you out? Just brilliant people
and I am so grateful to you. Thank you my Labour colleagues in particular
because you have been such continuous help and support to me. Especially I would
say ny dynamite friend Councillor Ogundayo. Honestly she is just like dynamite,
she’s brilliant. She has been a rock to me all the time I have been here. Also my
lovely Leader, Councillor Stef Borella. Really good. So kind. You know he is
such a deep and [loud microphone knock], he rings me up to check on me. You know
he is always are you OK? Are you sure? I will ring you tomorrow, and sure enough
he does. He is very decent.”
“Also of course I thank the Officers so much, You know, you have helped me
answer hard questions . Questions about suicide and different [too much paper
rustling]. You helped me and also with questions on the agencies we use, like
Mind, like the Samaritans. Really helped me bring the light into what happened,
how it happened and it has really helped me a lot. And I think this position
must continue. Of course I will always treasure the fond memories I have had
here. You’ve been great, we have had some real fun, not just the heckling. It
has been so good. You know we just look out for each other, we laugh with
each other, sometimes crying as well, but it’s been good and just like my
colleagues said, Councillor Anna [Day]. We need to look after our community. That is
why we are here, not just [indecipherable] fighting each other but look after the
people where [indecipherable]. So please carry on with the good work, all of you,
I will be watching you and heckling you. Thank you all, Bless you.”
Councillor Teresa O’Neill (Conservative)
“It’s a bit like being at your own funeral isn’t it and listening to the
sound of the wake. Madam Mayor, I became a Councillor for Brampton ward 28 years
ago with Councillor Bacon. Ironically polling day was on the 7th of May that
year as well so it will be exactly 28 years that I will have done and Councillor
Bacon will have done 24. When I became a Councillor I was one of the very few
Members who had an email address. Most communication was through letter or
telephone, there was no such thing as social media. Few Members and residents
had a mobile phone and we operated the Committee system in the old building over
the road that is now a block of flats. What a very different world it was.”
“Life has changed dramatically since then and we are in this fabulous new
building that although over ten years old is still much better than many oother
Councils and I have been to a few so I can tell you that and we know it attracts
people to work here. Most of our communications with residents and Officers now
are through technology at their convenience and they do, some of the residents,
do push it and they want answers in the middle of the night, Christmas Day, all the
rest of it. And we have had a very successful Conservative administration here
for the last 20 years and that doesn’t happen by chance. It has not been without
its challenges, impacts of a market crash, pandemic and a war kept us busy but
also so did the needs and demographics of our residents changing and governments
of both colours giving us more to do with less money. The most frustrating thing
as far as I am concerned over that time are unwarranted accusations and I was
determined tonight I was going to get some of this on the recoord.’
“So apparently we get paid hundreds of thousands of pounds a year. I don’t know
where you all put it all but I can tell you, and I want it on the record, it is
not true. I one time worked out the number of hours I had worked in a month
versus the amount of money I got for it and I can tell you it was way less than
the minimum wage, so that is the sort of work we do, but on the flip side
Members can bring in millions of pounds for residents and we have done that in
Bexley. We have been accused of claiming generous expenses. Again, untrue. And
if you check the records you will see that Bexley Councillors in the main don’t
claim expenses. Apparently I moved to a palatial palace when I went to the House
of Lords. I even had an email from Mr. Shvorob offering to do my gardening for
me at this palace. I had to burst his bubble and say no actually I still live
in Crook Log ward and I intend to do so so my ward colleagues will continue to
see me about. In fact Bexley Councillors also have no political assistants and
we know they are looking to create them in Kent. We pay for our own IT and we
are the only Council in the country who voluntarily reduced our number in full
knowledge that it would mean more work.”
“I would like to think that Bexley taxpayers get good value from their
Councillors, most of them anyway, and fortunatekly that is because we are
embedded in our community and we want to do what is right by our residents. I am
sure you have all witnessed my frustrations over the years on people including
some Councillors who have wasted Officers’ and some Members’ time, time that
could have been spent much better dealing with issues that our residents wanted
sorting. I am also guilty of getting annoyed by people who mislead residents and
issue nasty communications, some even have pseudonyms that they spend time
speaking to themselves believe it or not, and of course as Leader you also get
threats that have even included death threats. It is really not acceptable. Most
Councillors do not do it for the money. They are diligent and they work hard for
their residents. And the role of being a Councillor does mean attending
meetings, listening to others, debating issues and hopefully finding the right
solutions. It is not just about putting stuff out, often incorrectly on social media.”
“People in this Chamber will understand that Members set policy and Officers
deliver it. And over the years I have been on the Council we have been very
lucky with some super Officers who have given their all for Bexley and really
went above and beyond. The number are too many to mention especially at this time
of night but I do want to name check Jane Fordivers who has not only been a
great support over all these years that I have been on the Council but I think
she now holds most of the Corporate memory in her head. Madam Mayor, as Leader,
as the Leader said earlier, many of those choosing to stand down on May 7th
have put in many hours to help Bexley residents and in doing so they forego
other things to be able to do so. I am proud of what we have achieved while I
have been on the Council; don’t worry, I am not going to list the achievements
as we will be here all night but I believe we have delivered our universal
services to a high standard whilst also helping those who need a bit of extra
support and we have not been guilty of standing by if we saw something that needed resolving.’
“Obviously I am personally honoured to have been the longest serving Leader in
Bexley taking over from ex-Councillor Luton and leading the team into four
elections and winning four elections. I was given the Freedom of the City of
London for the London work I did during the pandemic. Was LGIUCCLA Leader of
the Year in 2025. The first Member to receive an honour when I was awarded the
OBE and of course now in the House of Lords and I am proud to have Bexley in my
title. Madam Mayor we have much to be proud of in Bexley, we have made Bexley
better and there is still much more to do and I wish all the teams standing on
the 7th of May the best of luck because you have still got a great job to do in
Bexley. Thank you.”
Note: The first two or three speeches were not reported absolutely verbatim. A very few sentences were
omitted and in some cases what remains further edited for brevity. However later speeches
are entirely as is, warts and all!
There are still quite a lot left to speak.