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Croydon Council names Director of Legal Services and Monitoring Officer

Croydon Council has appointed Stephen Lawrence-Orumwense as Director of Legal Services and Monitoring Officer on a permanent basis.

Lawrence-Orumwense, who will join the council later this year, has served as the divisional head of legal services and deputy monitoring officer at Haringey Council for the past decade.

Prior to his time at Haringey, he held a similar role at Sutton Council.

Croydon said the current monitoring officer, John Jones, had left at the end of March “and is thanked for his invaluable service to the council”.

Andrew Hunkin will provide interim cover, coming from a corporate director of resources and monitoring officer position at South Northamptonshire Council, until Lawrence-Orumwense is in position.

In October 2021 residents voted for a change to Croydon’s governance arrangements, which will see its first directly elected mayor.

Lawrence-Orumwense said: “It is great to be returning to south London and especially to join a vibrant council like Croydon. I have been impressed with the dedication of both members and officers that I have observed so far and look forward to working together later this year.

“I am excited to take on my position as director of legal services as well as the crucial role of monitoring officer, particularly as Croydon continues to diligently deliver its ambitious renewal programme on behalf of residents.”

Katherine Kerswell, Croydon’s chief executive, said: “I am delighted to welcome Stephen to Croydon, as well as Andrew who has joined us on an interim basis. Both are strong appointments for the borough as we progress towards financial stability and prepare for our first directly elected mayor.

“I look forward to working together as we continue to strive for openness and accountability to all our residents.”

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