New Mayor of Merton dedicates year in office to supporting the work of carers

By Davina Hyde

A new Mayor has dedicated his year in office to supporting and celebrating the work of carers.

The Figge’s Marsh Cllr Michael Brunt was elected as the new Mayor of Merton for the year 2021/22 at a meeting on April 21.

The meeting was held a month earlier than usual so it could be held virtually. Cllr Brunt began his duties on May 19, taking over the role from Lower Morden Cllr Sally Kenny.

Cllr Brunt said: “It is a great honour to be elected as Mayor of the place I was born in and grew up in. I have so much to thank Merton for and I hope that over the coming year I can demonstrate that gratitude and give something back to Merton.

“The last year has been full of challenges for us all. I hope that as we emerge from this lockdown that I can meet more people in person and recognise the hard work of so many in our community. In particular, I would like to celebrate the work of carers in Merton and that will the theme for my year, caring.”

Cllr Brunt’s chosen charities are Christian CARE Association, Merton, which provides emotional support and practical help for people who have no recourse to public funds, and Marie Curie, a charity which supports people at the end of their lives, and their families.

Cllr Brunt’s joint chaplains are Rev Belemo Alagoa and Rev Alison Judge from the Merton Priory team.

Cllr Brunt is a former Leader of Merton Council and a former Cabinet Member for the Environment.

He served as the authority’s first ever interim Cabinet Member, covering the Local Environment and Green Spaces portfolio while Cllr Natasha Irons was on maternity leave.

Cllr Brunt will be supported during the year by his consort, his mother, Joan Brunt, and by the Deputy Mayor, Cllr Edith Macauley MBE.