The annual meeting of Wandsworth Council saw the election of a new Mayor, Councillor Emmeline Owens, and the Leader of the Council, Councillor Richard Stroud. The meeting also addressed the results of the recent borough council elections and the subsequent formation of political groups and committees.

Election of Mayor

Councillor Emmeline Owens was elected as the new Mayor of Wandsworth, securing 29 votes against Councillor Graeme Henderson's 26. Councillor Owens, a Conservative councillor for Southfields Ward, accepted the office, declaring her commitment to fulfilling its duties. In her acceptance speech, she outlined her intention to champion children and young people in Wandsworth during her mayoral year, highlighting the importance of the quiet army of parents, carers, teachers, and volunteers who support them. She also announced her chosen mayoral charities: Wandsworth Home Start, Sound Minds, and Battersea Crime Prevention Panel. Councillor Kirsten Botting was appointed as Deputy Mayor.

Election of Leader of the Council

Councillor Richard Stroud was elected as the Leader of the Council, serving until the next whole-Council election in May 2030. He received 30 votes in favour, with 4 against and no abstentions. Councillor Stroud, a Conservative councillor for Thamesfield Ward, acknowledged the council's current no overall control situation and emphasised the need for constructive working relationships between parties. He stated his administration's commitment to transparency and invited opposition councillors to chair scrutiny committees and attend Cabinet meetings to ensure accountability.

Borough Council Election Results

The meeting received a report detailing the results of the borough council elections held on 7th May 2026. The report, presented by Chief Executive Andrew Travers, outlined the vote counts and outcomes for each ward. The election results indicated a shift in the council's composition, with no single party holding an overall majority, leading to a no overall control scenario.

Appointment of Committees

A report on the appointment of committees was discussed, with Councillor Jo Rigby of the Labour Group expressing concerns about the late arrival of the paper and proposed changes to the Council's Constitution. She stated that the Labour Group could not vote for the proposals without further legal review and consultation. Councillor Malcolm Grimston, the newly elected Leader of the Council, acknowledged that the process had been far from ideal but explained that the proposed changes were temporary, subject to a sunset clause, and aimed to provide stability while a full constitutional review takes place. He highlighted that the proposals included the appointment of two Labour chairs for Overview and Scrutiny Committees and a Labour chair for the Audit Committee. Despite the Labour Group's reservations, the report was approved with 29 votes in favour, 26 against, and one abstention.

Other Business

The meeting also included the appointment of Executive Members and the Deputy Leader, notification of the Leader and Deputy Leader of the Opposition, and the appointment of council representatives to outside bodies. The minutes of the previous meeting held on 4th March 2026 were confirmed. The outgoing Mayor, Jeremy Ambash, and Deputy Mayor, Councillor Rosemary Birchall, were thanked for their service. The outgoing Youth Mayor, Kwasi Akun Karanchi, and Deputy Youth Mayor, Sophia Dyson, were also acknowledged, with congratulations extended to the new Youth Mayor, Abigail Akindeiko, and Deputy Youth Mayor, Afifah Haroun.