Significant Political Shift as Croydon Prepares for May Elections
Croydon Council is set to experience a substantial transformation this May as eighteen of its seventy councillors have confirmed they will not seek re-election. This represents a remarkable twenty-five percent turnover in the borough's political representation, with both the ruling Conservative group and Labour opposition losing experienced members.
Long-Serving Figures Departing Political Scene
The departing councillors include several individuals who have dedicated decades to public service in the London borough. Most notably, Broad Green's Labour Councillor Stuart Collins – first elected in 1993 – stands as the longest-serving representative announcing his retirement. His departure marks the end of a remarkable thirty-three year tenure on the council.
From the Conservative benches, Maria Gatland, who serves as Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, will be stepping down after twenty-four years of service since her initial election in 2002. Labour's opposition leadership will lose Deputy Leader Carlton Young OBE, who has served as Shadow Cabinet Member for Finance since his election in 2016.
Mayoral Contest Adds Another Layer to Election
Beyond the council elections, Croydon residents will simultaneously participate in selecting the borough's Executive Mayor. Conservative Jason Perry, elected as Croydon's first Executive Mayor in 2022, will be seeking re-election after his initial term focused on addressing the council's historic financial challenges.
Mayor Perry's administration has operated under the oversight of government-appointed commissioners monitoring council spending and governance. The May elections therefore represent the first significant electoral test for his Conservative administration, with voters deciding whether to continue current policies or transfer control to opposition parties.
Complete List of Departing Councillors
Conservative Councillors Standing Down:
- Coulsdon Town - Mario Creatura (First elected 2014)
- Purley and Woodcote - Holly Ramsey (First elected 2022)
- South Croydon - Maria Gatland (First elected 2002)
- Selsdon Vale and Forestdale - Fatima Zaman (First elected 2022)
Labour Councillors Standing Down:
- Addiscombe West - Clive Fraser (First elected 2022)
- Addiscombe West - Patricia Hay-Justice (First elected 2010)
- Bensham Manor - Enid Mollyneaux (First elected 2022)
- Bensham Manor - Eunice O'Dame (First elected 2022)
- Broad Green - Sherwan Chowdhury (First elected 2006)
- Broad Green - Stuart Collins (First elected 1993)
- Crystal Palace and Upper Norwood - Nina Degrads (First elected 2018)
- Crystal Palace and Upper Norwood - Patsy Cummings (First elected 2018)
- Norbury and Pollards Hill - Alisa Flemming (First elected 2010)
- Norbury Park - Matt Griffiths (First elected 2022)
- South Norwood - Louis Carserides (First elected 2021)
- Thornton Heath - Carlton Young OBE (First elected 2016)
- Thornton Heath - Karen Jewitt (First elected 1994)
- Thornton Heath - Tamar Barrett (First elected 2022)
Continuity Among Smaller Parties
While major parties experience significant turnover, Croydon's smaller political groups show more stability. The borough's two Green councillors representing Fairfield ward – Ria Patel and Esther Sutton – have confirmed they will stand for re-election. Similarly, the council's sole Liberal Democrat representative, Claire Bonham of Crystal Palace and Upper Norwood ward, will also seek to retain her seat.
With all seventy seats across twenty-eight electoral wards being contested, the May elections promise to reshape Croydon's political landscape substantially. The combination of council elections and the mayoral contest ensures that voters will make decisions with far-reaching implications for the borough's future direction and governance.
