The UK’s first ever elected Cypriot council leader was returned with a thumping big majority at the recent local elections held in London
Councillor Stephen Alambritis, who was born in Aradippou, will now enter his second term as the leader of the council at the London Borough of Merton with his group going from 28 councillors to 36. He defeated his opposition in a resounding fashion by concentrating on issues relevant to the people of Merton such as the local hospital and the cost of living crisis. The turnout in the South London borough was one of the best in the country.
In the build up to the election Alambritis was visited in his borough by the Greek Cypriot business icon Theo Paphitis and by Eastenders TV star Ross Kemp. Over 500 residents attended events with Paphitis and Kemp.
Alambritis was supported in the campaign by both the local Greek and Turkish population. Alambritis also held a very successful event to celebrate Greek Independence Day. This was attended by Archbishop Gregorios and by the High Commissioner to Cyprus and the Ambassador to Greece. Alambritis has also had support from the Mayor of Aradippou, Mr Evangelides who was quickly on the phone to Alambritis to cement further their working relationship between their two local authorities.
The growing Turkish community in Merton has also helped with leaflets, deliveries and canvassing. The Turkish community crucially helped Alambritis on the day of the election. The Chairman of the South London Turkish Community Association, Mr Atilla Abacioglu said “ We like and trust Mr Alambritis very much. He is one of us. His door is always open to us. He has been to Turkey with me to meet local municipality mayors but now I want to take him with me again to meet senior politicians. I have already been told that Ankara rates him highly and wants to work with him”
Commenting on his re election, Alambritis said “ I am privileged and honoured to be elected by so many people to continue to lead this great borough. Merton is a great place in which to live play and work in and I hope to keep it that way. We have a growing Greek and Turkish community here and it is my intention to continue to work with everyone
