The Leader of Merton Council has been awarded an MBE for services to Local Government in South London.

The Queen’s Birthday Honours list was due to be published in June, but was postponed so that doctors, nurses and volunteers could be nominated for their work during the pandemic. 

“It is a great honour to be included on the Queen’s Birthday Honours list, alongside some incredible people who have done so much in response to the pandemic," says Councillor Alambritis.

A timeline of Stephen's career 

Councillor Alambritis is the first Cypriot council leader in Britain and the longest-serving leader of Merton Council since the authority was established in 1965.

First elected to the Merton council as Ravensbury ward councillor in 2003, Cllr Alambritis became Labour Leader in the 2007/8 municipal year, and took the council’s most senior role in 2010, following the first of three successive election victories.

 

Under his leadership the council leader has led key achievements which include, building a state of the art leisure centre in Morden and a new library building in Colliers Wood.

As well as, seeing the development into a learning disability centre in Abbey ward and a brand new secondary school which is due to open in South Wimbledon soon.

MORE: Merton Council Leader to step down after a decade

Wimbledon Times:

Cllr Alambritis has always championed businesses across the borough, following his own successful career at the Federation of Small Businesses. He also led the council’s support for local football club AFC Wimbledon to achieve their goal of returning home to Plough Lane in a brand new stadium, which is part of a development of 800 much-needed homes.

In addition to his role as Council Leader, Cllr Alambritis has been a member of the Better Regulation Task Force at the Cabinet Office, and a Commissioner at both the Disability Rights Commission and at the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

Cllr Alambritis is a trustee on the board of London Sport and a member of the Leaders’ Committee at London Councils, as well as chairing the five-borough South London Partnership. He is also on the board of London CIV Ltd, the collective investment vehicle for London borough pension funds.

Wimbledon Times:

In response to the news, Stephen said: 

"It has been an absolute privilege to lead Merton Council and to serve the diverse communities in a place which I am proud to call home. I share this recognition with everyone I have worked in partnership with – the residents, councillors, council officers, voluntary groups, businesses and community organisations – to achieve more for our borough.”