Sutton Council's new Deputy Leader and the switch to a cabinet by 2027

Published 29 October 2026

Sutton Council has a new Deputy Leader and Deputy Mayor, and bigger changes to how it makes decisions are on the way.

Who is who

• Deputy Leader: Cllr Cryss Mennaceur, councillor for Sutton Central, appointed at Full Council on Monday 19 October 2026.
• Previous Deputy Leader: Cllr Sam Martin, who held the role from 2024 and stepped down for family reasons after the birth of his second child. He remains a councillor for Wallington South.
• Deputy Mayor: Cllr Luni Sabharwal, Worcester Park South, taking over from Cllr Mennaceur, who had been Deputy Mayor since May.
• Mayor: Cllr Muhammad Sadiq.
• Council Leader: Cllr Barry Lewis.

From committees to a cabinet

Since 2012, Sutton has made decisions through cross-party committees. A new law ends that system, and the council must switch to a leader and cabinet model by May 2027, with a final deadline of 29 June 2027. Under a cabinet system, a smaller group of senior councillors, each with a portfolio, take most executive decisions, with other councillors scrutinising them.

The money behind the decisions

The new leadership team faces tough budgets. Sutton Online reports a forecast gap of £13.6 million in 2027/28, rising to £36.5 million by 2029/30 before any council tax rise.

Why it matters for local businesses

Council priorities shape business rates support, high street investment, parking, licensing and events. Knowing who holds which role makes it easier to raise issues that affect your trade. Business improvement districts such as Successful Sutton and KIPPA BID are also good routes to have your voice heard.

Sources and further reading

• Sutton Online: Sutton's new Deputy Leader and Deputy Mayor
• Sutton Online: Sutton Council cabinet system by 2027
• Sutton Council: latest news