A senior Liberal Democrat councillor in Merton has stepped down from her role, triggering a shift in the political makeup of a key ward just months before local elections.
Resignation and Reason for Departure
Councillor Jenifer Gould, the former Deputy Leader of the Opposition on Merton Council, officially resigned on Monday, 5 January 2026. Her resignation brings an end to more than six years representing the Cannon Hill ward, a position she first won in a 2019 by-election.
Cllr Gould confirmed that her decision to step down was due to her family relocating away from the United Kingdom. Her departure reduces the Liberal Democrats' voting strength on the council and creates a vacancy in one of the borough's few politically split wards.
Immediate Political Consequences
Merton Council has confirmed that no by-election will be held to fill the vacant seat. This means the Cannon Hill ward will now be represented solely by its two Conservative councillors, Nick McLean and Michael Paterson, until the next scheduled local elections.
The ward, previously shared between the Lib Dems and Conservatives, will now be under sole Conservative representation until voters go to the polls. The vacancy will be contested in the upcoming local elections on Thursday, 7 May 2026.
As the number two in the Lib Dem opposition, Cllr Gould's role came with a special responsibility allowance. The local party has not yet named her replacement as deputy leader.
A Look Back at Gould's Tenure
Reflecting on her time in office, Jenifer Gould highlighted several key achievements. She told the Local Democracy Reporting Service she was proud to have fought for road safety improvements, more visible community policing, and helping to save the Eastway Day Centre from closure, a move that protected dementia care and respite services.
"I'd like to thank the many residents in Cannon Hill who have sent personal messages of thanks and good wishes," she said. "By standing as a councillor my hope is I've encouraged more women into politics."
Opposition Leader Councillor Anthony Fairclough paid tribute, noting her 2019 victory was the first time in a decade in London that the Lib Dems gained a seat from Labour. He credited her with making residents feel heard, leading to her re-election in 2022 with the highest number of votes in the area.
Hannah Doody, Chief Executive and Returning Officer for Merton Council, expressed gratitude: "I would like to thank Jenifer Gould, on behalf of Merton Council, for her years of service to the borough and to the people of Merton, and to recognise the contribution she has made."
