Councillor Kola Agboola was appointed as Croydon’s new Civic Mayor, for the 2024-25 civic year, at Wednesday night’s Annual Council meeting.
The Civic Mayor will perform ceremonial and public duties across the borough during his year in office. This is a different role to that of the Executive Mayor who is elected by the residents of Croydon every four years to lead the council.
Councillor Agboola represents the New Addington North ward and is an active member of the community he has represented since he was elected in May 2021.
Outside his work as a councillor, he is a senior technician of simulated learning and clinical skills at Kingston University, a position he finds fulfilling, supporting students and young people to achieve their full potential.
Councillor Agboola is a strong advocate for fostering community, representation and standing up for others, values that led him to active politics four years ago after being an active trade unionist for over 30 years.
The new Civic Mayor lives in New Addington with his wife Helen, who will serve as Mayoress for the year.
Following his appointment, Councillor Agboola said: “I am indeed grateful to be elected as the Civic Mayor of Croydon and look forward to representing the borough in my constitutional and ceremonial duties as the Civic Mayor and First Citizen. Also, I’m proud to be the first African to attain this position in Croydon.”
“I will be supporting and raising the profile of my two chosen charities – Croydon Nightwatch and The Family Centre.”
Assisting the Civic Mayor in his position is the new Deputy Civic Mayor, Councillor Richard Chatterjee, who represents Shirley North ward. Councillor Chatterjee was an NHS hospital pharmacist for 16 years, followed by working in the civil service for 23 years.
Councillor Chatterjee said: “I feel honoured to be nominated to serve as Deputy Civic Mayor and grateful to the residents of Shirley North whom I represent.”
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon, congratulated both the Civic Mayor and Deputy Civic Mayor on their positions. He said: “I am pleased to welcome Councillor Agboola and Councillor Chatterjee to their new roles. They have demonstrated their commitment to public service in their respective careers and the communities they represent and I’m certain they will fulfil their civic positions with the same level of dedication and passion.”
