The meeting focused on the political proportionality and allocations to committees. The main discussion revolved around ensuring the committee seats reflect the political balance of the council. An amendment was proposed and accepted to adjust the size of the General Purposes Committee to include Councillor Malcolm Grimston.

Political Proportionality and Allocations to Committees

The main agenda item was the discussion of political proportionality and allocations to committees, specifically detailed in paper 24-150. Councillor Peter Graham raised concerns about the proposed allocation of seats on ordinary regulatory committees. He pointed out that the Labour group was allocated 30 seats and the Conservative group 19 seats, which did not reflect their respective proportions of 58.6% and 39.6% of the council members. He argued that the allocation should be adjusted to 29 seats for Labour and 20 for Conservatives to better reflect the political balance.

Councillor Rex Osborne from the administration side acknowledged the importance of including independent councillor Malcolm Grimston in the General Purposes Committee. He also mentioned the upcoming democracy review, which aims to make Wandsworth Council's decision-making process more democratic and inclusive.

Councillor Graham insisted that the allocation should be as close as reasonably practicable to the actual political proportions. He noted that other councils have managed to achieve this and questioned why Wandsworth could not. He also pointed out that the Labour Chief Whip, who made the decision, was not present to explain the reasoning behind the allocation.

Amendment Proposal

An amendment was proposed by Councillor Graham to increase the size of the General Purposes Committee by one seat, which would be unallocated and could be occupied by Councillor Grimston. This amendment was seconded by Councillor Tony Belton and agreed upon by the committee.

Conclusion

The meeting concluded with the acceptance of the amendment to adjust the committee size. Councillor Crichard, the chair, acknowledged the concerns raised and agreed to seek further clarification from the Labour Chief Whip. The meeting also marked Councillor Crichard's last appearance as chair of the General Purposes Committee.