The Council of Wandsworth met on Wednesday 22 July 2026 to discuss a range of important issues, including the council's financial position, proposed constitutional reforms, and the appointment of a new Chief Executive. Key decisions made included the election of Councillor Robert Morritt as the new Leader of the Council and the appointment of Ms. Anna Popovici as Chief Executive.

Constitutional Reforms and Governance

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing proposed reforms to the council's constitution, aimed at making proceedings more open, transparent, and effective. Councillor Aled Richards-Jones, then Leader of the Council, presented the first tranche of reforms, which included logical ordering of procedures in plain English, enhanced roles for all councillors, the introduction of a pairing facility, and the right of the Leader of the Opposition to attend Cabinet meetings. These reforms also aimed to abolish the guillotine in meetings, remove the redundant role of deputy cabinet members, restore pre-decision scrutiny to overview and scrutiny committees, and introduce proper cabinet member scrutiny.

However, Councillor Rex Osborn, speaking for the opposition, argued that the proposed changes were minor tinkering and did not address fundamental issues. He specifically criticised a proposal that would restrict councillors' ability to speak in debates if they had spoken in the previous two meetings, deeming it unworkable. Councillor Jo Rigby also voiced concerns, stating the changes were a white male solution that would impact the diversity of voices within the council.

Despite these objections, the recommendations from the General Purposes Committee were approved by a vote of 29 in favour to 26 against.

Appointment of Chief Executive

The council formally appointed Ms. Anna Popovici as the new Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service for the London Borough of Wandsworth, a joint appointment with the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. Ms. Popovici, who was the Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Children's Services, has a proven track record in public service improvement. Her appointment was effective from 25 July 2026.

Election of Leader of the Council

Following the resignation of the previous Leader, Councillor Richard Jones, the council elected a new Leader. Councillor Robert Morritt was elected as the new Leader of the Council, defeating Councillor Simon Hogg by a vote of 30 to 26.

Statement on the Spending Review

Councillor Peter Graham, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance, presented a statement on the council's spending review, highlighting a significant inherited budget gap of £137 million. He detailed the financial challenges facing the council, including a £84 million reduction in government funding and overspending from the previous administration. Councillor Graham outlined initial outcomes of the spending review, which included reverting to the borough's coat of arms instead of a new logo, refurbishing the town hall rather than moving to rented offices, and ending unpopular estate regeneration schemes. He also announced plans to employ 24 additional police officers and to improve street cleaning services.

Councillor Simon Hogg, Leader of the Opposition, criticised the statement as disappointing and misleading, arguing that the council was in a strong financial position and that the proposed cuts would disproportionately affect the most vulnerable. He accused the current administration of creating an austerity mindset and attempting to scare residents. Councillor Hogg also questioned the accuracy of the budget gap figures and the rationale behind some of the proposed savings.

During the subsequent question and answer session, concerns were raised about the impact of cancelling estate regeneration schemes on housing provision, the funding of holiday food vouchers, the sustainability of health budgets, and the future of temporary accommodation costs. Councillor Graham defended the administration's approach, stating that decisions were being made to address the financial crisis inherited from the previous administration and to ensure value for money for residents.

Other Business

The meeting also included the presentation of several petitions from residents on various issues, including the retention of the 33-metre swimming pool in Putney, the need for zebra crossings on a roundabout in Roehampton, and concerns about the cost of living and school food vouchers.

The council also approved revisions to committee memberships and outside bodies' appointments, with a correction made regarding the appointment to the Health and Wellbeing Board. Councillor Kemi Akinola was noted as the new Statutory Deputy Leader of the Opposition.