Merton elects first Polish-born Mayor

Lavender Fields

Lavender Fields councillors Billy Christie and Edith Macauley are delighted to welcome councillor Slawek Szczepanski who has been elected as the Mayor of Merton. The first-ever Polish-born Mayor of Merton, he wants to dedicate his time in office to encourage other people to become involved in volunteering. That is how he became involved in the community, stood for council and became Mayor.

Speaking at the official Council meeting when he became Mayor, Slawek said: “My journey from being a volunteer to this honourable position is a testament to the power of community and the importance of perseverance. In Merton no dream is too big, and no barrier unbeatable”.

Cllr Szczepanski first worked in construction before leading the Pollards Hill- based Polish Family Association, which supports Eastern European communities across Merton and South London. Slawek has also won praise for his efforts to welcome Ukrainian refugee families into the borough. The mayor’s chosen charities for this year are the UCL Hospitals Charity, to support research into Glioblastoma Brain Tumour drug trials in memory of Baroness Margaret McDonagh, and Chrisitan CARE, committed to relieving poverty in Merton across different denominations.