Berrylands has a new deputy mayor in its midst. Sushila Abraham, who has represented the ward since a by-election in 2013, has replaced Cllr Munir Ravalia in the role.

Kingston council’s mayor-making was due to take place tomorrow (Tuesday) but due to the lockdown, the Annual Meeting, at which the mayor and deputy are selected, was cancelled.

Sushila’s husband Dr Mathew Abraham, a barrister, will act as her consort and Cllr Margaret Thompson will remain mayor for another year.

“Councillor Thompson has been a fantastic mayor for the borough and I look forward to working alongside her in my new role,” added Sushila, who has lived in the area for 30 years.

“I am honoured to have been appointed as deputy mayor of Kingston and I will endeavour to serve our residents in the best possible way.”

Sushila has served as both chair and deputy chair of the Surbiton Neighbourhood Committee. As a solicitor, she has been running her own practice, S. Abraham Solicitors, in Ewell Road, Surbiton, since 1999.

She is a council member of the Law Society of England and Wales representing Surrey solicitors and enjoys working closely with the elderly and vulnerable.

As well as having served as a school governor, she enjoys cooking, gardening, golf and travelling. Obviously when she can get back to the latter will be in the lap of the gods.