Councillor Mario Creatura has taken the decision to step down from his role as Chief Whip of the Conservative Group on Croydon Council, a position he has held since 2016.
Cllr Mario Creatura commented:
“It has been an honour to serve the Conservative Group as Chief Whip for so long.
“18 months on from the Conservatives taking control of Croydon Council, now is the right time to hand the reins to my successor who I know will do an outstanding job.
“I remain committed to my residents in Coulsdon Town, and will continue to work hard, supporting Mayor Perry’s mission to deliver much needed improvements across our wonderful borough.”
Executive Mayor of Croydon, and Conservative Group Leader, Jason Perry said:
“As Chief Whip, Mario has been a pivotal part of our Group leadership since 2016, taking charge not only of training, mentoring and supporting our councillors, but also transforming the way that we communicate and engage with our residents.
“During that time he has brought discipline and rigour to our political strategy, playing a central role in delivering our odds-defying election victory in May 2022.
“I know he will continue to serve the residents of Coulsdon Town, and the wider Croydon Borough, with energy and enthusiasm.”
Cllr Creatura was first elected in Coulsdon West ward in 2014, re-elected to Coulsdon Town in 2018 and 2022. He has been the Conservative Group Chief Whip since 2016. He was first appointed when the Conservatives were the opposition on Croydon Council. He was also the Shadow Cabinet member for Communities, Safety and Justice from 2018 to 2020.
During his time as Conservative Whip, Cllr Creatura has worked opposite a total of five Labour Whips.
Cllr Creatura’s last day as Chief Whip will be Tuesday 31st October 2023.
New Conservative Chief Whip appointed
Following Cllr Creatura’s decision, Cllr Luke Shortland has been appointed Chief Whip of the Conservative Group on Croydon Council.
He will formally take up the role on Wednesday 1st November 2023, following a transitionary period with the current Chief Whip that began several weeks ago.
Cllr Shortland has been a councillor in Coulsdon Town since 2022, and has served as Deputy Whip since May 2023.
Executive Mayor Jason Perry commented:
“The role of Chief Whip requires creativity, strong people skills and an innate problem-solving ability – Luke has all of these qualities in abundance. A popular member of our Group, I have no doubt that he’ll be able to support our councillors in continuing to deliver for our residents at the very highest level.”
Cllr Luke Shortland said:
“I’m delighted to have been appointed to the role of Chief Whip for the Conservative Group. Mayor Jason Perry and his Conservative Administration have been working flat out for the last year and a half to clear up Croydon Labour’s toxic legacy - including by restoring the Graffiti Removal Team, progressing plans for a new leisure centre in Purley and by encouraging more beautifully-designed development across Croydon.
“I look forward to working with Councillors from all parties as we work towards a brighter future for our Borough.
I'd like to thank Mayor Jason Perry for appointing me, as well as Cllr Mario Creatura, who has mentored me not only as Deputy Whip, but in fact since before I became a councillor. I know that his tireless work for the Conservatives over many years has changed our Group for the better.”
