The Council Assembly met to elect the new Mayor and Leader of the Council, and to establish committees and appoint members to various roles for the upcoming municipal year. Councillor Claire Sheppard was elected as the new Mayor of Southwark, and Councillor James McAsh was appointed as the Leader of the Council.

Election of the Mayor of Southwark

Councillor Claire Sheppard was elected as the Mayor of Southwark for the 2026-27 municipal year, following a nomination process. Councillor Sabina Emmanuel was also nominated for the role. Councillor Sheppard accepted the office and appointed her husband, Steve Sheppard, as her consort. Councillor Patrickson Obanya was appointed as Deputy Mayor. The new Mayor announced that her chosen charities would be Westminster House Youth Club and Little Village Southwark, and she would also be working to promote Elect Her.

Election of Leader and Executive Functions - 2026-27

Councillor James McAsh was elected as the Leader of the Council. His term of office will commence from 28 May 2026 and end at the start of the first annual meeting of the council following the next ordinary election. The Council Assembly also noted the appointment of executive members and deputy executive members, the establishment of executive committees, and the delegation of executive functions. The appointed Executive Members and their portfolios are: Councillor James McAsh (Leader of the Council), Councillor Victor Chamberlain (Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Neighbourhoods, Strategic Planning and Wellbeing), Councillor Reginald Popoola (Council Homes), Councillor David Watson (Community Safety and Engagement), Councillor Sam Foster (Finance and General Purposes), Councillor Rachel Bentley (Jobs, Equalities and Citizenship), Councillor Alexandra Austin (Public Works and New Homes), Councillor Eloise Waldon-Day (Climate and Council Coordination), Councillor Vanessa Threadgold (Parks and Leisure), and Councillor Rebecca Corn (Education and Care). Deputy Executive Members were also appointed to various roles.

Proportionality and Establishment of Committees, Panels and Related Matters 2026-27

The Council Assembly established various committees, panels, and appointed neighbourhood champions for the municipal year 2026-27. This followed a review of the council's political balance after the local elections on 7 May 2026, which saw a shift in representation with Labour holding 46.03%, Green 34.92%, and Liberal Democrats 19.05% of the seats. The report detailed the allocation of seats on ordinary committees, other committees, and panels, ensuring proportionate representation for each political group. Key appointments included Councillor James McAsh as Chair of the Appointments Committee, Councillor Colin Boyle as Chair of the Audit, Governance and Standards Committee, and Councillor Jane Salmon as Chair of the Licensing Committee. Councillor Richard Macmillan was appointed Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. Neighbourhood champions were appointed for ten neighbourhood areas across the borough. The Health and Wellbeing Board was also established as a committee of the council. Additionally, the date for the July Council Assembly meeting was changed from 8 July 2026 to 15 July 2026.

Nominations to London Councils Committees, Greater London Employment Forum, Borough Lead Members, London Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) Common Investment Vehicle (CIV) Ltd and London Councils Limited 2026-27

Nominations were agreed for representatives to serve on various London Councils committees and related bodies for the 2026-27 municipal year. These included nominations to the London Councils Leaders' Committee, Transport and Environment Committee, and Grants Committee, with Councillor James McAsh, Councillor Eloise Waldon-Day, and Councillor David Watson being nominated as representatives respectively. Nominations were also made for the Greater London Employment Forum, the London LGBS Common Investment Vehicle (CIV) Limited, and London Councils Limited. Furthermore, borough lead members were nominated for specific policy areas, such as Children and Young People, Housing and Regeneration, and Environmental Issues/Climate Change.

Appointment of Political Assistants/Officers

The Council Assembly noted that posts for political officers (assistants) would be established under the Local Government Act 1989. These positions are allocated to the Labour Group, Green Group, and Liberal Democrat Group, provided they meet the qualifying criteria of holding at least 10% of the council's seats. Following the recent elections, all three groups met this requirement. These appointments are for a fixed term, ending at the annual council meeting after the next local elections in May 2030.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee Annual Report 2025-26

The Council Assembly noted the scrutiny activity undertaken by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and its four scrutiny commissions during the 2025-26 municipal year. The report detailed the committee's focus on issues such as budget scrutiny, the cost of living, council delivery plan performance, and regeneration projects. Specific areas examined included the Southwark Community Safety Partnership, Chilton Grove Estate, and the Old Kent Road regeneration. The report also highlighted recommendations made by the committee to the cabinet on various matters, including housing quality, education, and community safety. The work of the Education and Local Economy, Environment, Community Safety and Engagement, Health and Social Care, and Housing Scrutiny Commissions was also summarised, outlining their respective areas of focus and recommendations.

Appointment of Interim Monitoring Officer

This report was withdrawn and therefore no decision was made on this item.