Agenda item

Councillor Sue Hordijenko RIP

The Mayor led the tributes to Councillor Sue Hordijenko who has died

unexpectedly. The Mayor remembered Councillor Hordijenko as a particularly

nice person who never uttered cross words and who was genuinely excited to

fulfil her role as a public representative. He extended his condolences to

Councillor Hordijenko’s family.

Councillor Jacq Paschoud, a Ward colleague in Bellingham, praised her as

someone who had made a real difference in the community earning a

reputation as a problem solver who had tackled a myriad of housing issues.

Councillor Alan Hall, also a Ward colleague, remembered her as a

charismatic supporter of local residents exemplified by the support she had

given to the family of a murdered young man in the locality. He told of the

pride she took in her Irish and Ukrainian roots. He recalled her involvement

with the British Science Association which had led to her appearance on

Newsnight wearing a dress made from used cigarette ends. She was

portayed as an activist even shortly before her death taking part in the Bell

Green picket.

Councillor Caroline Kalu thought of her as a selfless, generous person with an

unwavering commitment to family and friends. As a fellow member of the

Licensing Committee she had seen how caring and loyal she had been and

knew she would be greatly missed.

Councillor Liam Curran said Sue Hordijenko had always commanded

attention with her red hair, laugh and generousity. She was a bon vivir, cat

lover and fiercely intelligent having been Director of Programmes at the British

Science Association. He pointed out the lengthy tributes to her on the BSA

website which gave greater depth about her life prior to her 2016 election as a

Councillor. Above all, Councillor Curran remembered her as a friend and

neighbour.

Councillor Curran then read out a statement prepared by Councillor

Hordijenko’s cousin and then the Council viewed a musical photographic

montage of her life.

All present concluded the tribute by observing a minute of silence.

Councillor Joe Dromey

The Council noted Councillor Joe Dromey had announced he was to resign from the Council to take on a new full time role as Director of Central London Forward (CLF). Cllr Dromey represented New Cross from 2014 and served as Cabinet Member for Culture, Jobs and Skills (job share) from 2018. He also served as Cabinet Member for Policy, Performance and Communications between 2014 and 2018.

London Mayoral and Assembly Member elections – May 2021

The Council noted the 2021 London Mayoral and Assembly Member elections

would be held on Thursday 6May 2021. The Council was encouraging

residents to register to vote by post to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Census

The Council noted the next Census Day was Sunday 21March 2021.

International Women’s Day 

Councillor Millbank confirmed International Women’s Day would take place on

Monday 8 March, with this year’s theme being ‘Choose to Challenge’. Councillor

Millbank said details of the programme would be shown at:

https://www.iamlewisham.uk/

Lewisham Council AGM

The Speaker confirmed Lewisham Council’s AGM had been rescheduled to

Wednesday 26 May.