Merton elects Shuile Syeda as borough’s first Muslim Mayor

Emily Scott Author 2026-05-21 15:49 3 min read

Official wearing red ceremonial robes and black bicorne hat sitting in a carved wooden chair.

Contents

A lifelong connection to St Helier and Merton
Direct support for local social action and disability services
Leadership transition at the Annual Council meeting

Councillor Shuile Syeda has been elected as the Mayor of Merton for the 2026/27 municipal year, becoming the first Muslim to hold the post in the borough’s history. The election took place during the Annual Council meeting on 20 May, where Syeda formally accepted the chains of office following her tenure as Deputy Mayor over the previous twelve months.

A lifelong resident of the borough, Councillor Syeda represents the St Helier ward. Her appointment is viewed as a significant milestone for Merton Council, reflecting the changing demographic landscape and the local authority’s commitment to representative leadership. During her acceptance speech, Syeda emphasized that her election was a collective achievement for the community rather than a personal accolade.

A lifelong connection to St Helier and Merton

Councillor Syeda’s roots in the borough are central to her new role. Having been born and raised in Merton, she has a long-standing connection to the local streets, schools, and services she now oversees in a ceremonial capacity. Her transition from Deputy Mayor to Mayor follows a year of supporting local events and engaging with community groups across the diverse wards of south-west London.

In her address to the Council, Syeda noted that Merton has historically functioned as a place where different cultures and faiths coexist through mutual respect. She stated that the borough’s strength is derived from its differences, suggesting that her appointment serves as a message of inclusion to all residents. The Mayor expressed a vision of Merton as a place where every individual has the opportunity to serve the public regardless of their background.

Direct support for local social action and disability services

As part of her mayoral year, Councillor Syeda has selected two specific organizations to benefit from her fundraising efforts: the Dons Local Action Group and Merton Mencap. These choices reflect a focus on immediate social welfare and long-term support for vulnerable residents within the borough.

The Dons Local Action Group is a volunteer-led organization that emerged from the AFC Wimbledon fan base. It provides a wide range of support, including food parcels, household furniture, and digital devices for residents facing financial hardship. By selecting this group, the Mayor is highlighting the ongoing need for grassroots poverty relief in Merton.

Merton elects Shuile Syeda as borough’s first Muslim Mayor

Merton Mencap, the second beneficiary, is an independent local charity providing services for children and adults with learning disabilities and autism, as well as their carers. The charity has operated in the borough for decades, offering community-based projects that promote independence and social inclusion. Fundraising through the Mayor’s office typically involves a series of community events, dinners, and local challenges throughout the year.

Leadership transition at the Annual Council meeting

The election of the Mayor is the primary item of business at the Annual Council meeting, signaling the start of the new municipal calendar. While the role of the Mayor is non-political and ceremonial, the office holder acts as the first citizen of the borough, chairing full council meetings and representing Merton at regional and national functions.

Following the election of Councillor Syeda, Councillor Joan Henry was appointed as the Deputy Mayor for 2026/27. Councillor Henry represents the Pollards Hill ward and will support the Mayor in her civic duties. The pairing of representatives from St Helier and Pollards Hill ensures that leadership presence is felt across different corners of the borough during the busy upcoming schedule of civic engagements.

Syeda’s term will run until May 2027, during which she will preside over council debates and lead the borough’s response to significant local anniversaries and public commemorations. Her first official duties involve meeting with local volunteer sectors to coordinate the fundraising calendar for her chosen charities.

Source: Merton Council