The annual meeting of Wandsworth Council saw Councillor Jeremy Ambache elected as Mayor for the second time, and Councillor Rosemary Birchall appointed as Deputy Mayor. Councillors also approved the appointment of cabinet members, committee members, and representatives to outside bodies. A proposal to create five Deputy Cabinet member positions was approved, despite opposition concerns about the cost.

Deputy Cabinet Members

The council voted to approve the creation of five Deputy Cabinet member positions, each receiving an allowance of £9,314. These roles will focus on resident engagement, environment, housing, communities, and health, replacing the previous system of eight policy champions.

The Conservative opposition group voted against the proposal, arguing that it would increase the cost of the Council Reliance Scheme by around £23,000, resulting in an overall budget of £46,570, without providing value for money or appropriate scrutiny.

Election of Mayor and Appointment of Deputy Mayor

Councillor Jeremy Ambache was elected as Mayor of Wandsworth for a second term. Councillor Sheila Boswell, in proposing Councillor Jeremy Ambache for the role, highlighted his commitment to equality and the charities he has chosen to support: Wandsworth Supports Refugees, Wandsworth Oasis, and Mineworks UK. Councillor Graeme Henderson seconded the nomination, noting that Councillor Jeremy Ambache was the first mayor in 70 years to read a proclamation on the King's accession to the throne.

Councillor Rosemary Birchall was appointed as Deputy Mayor. Councillor Jeremy Ambache said that he knew that Councillor Rosemary Birchall would do an excellent job and that her husband Richard Birchall would be her consort.

Mayor's Announcements

Councillor Jeremy Ambache thanked the outgoing mayor, Councillor Sana Jafri, and Deputy Mayor, Councillor Finna Ayres, for their service. He also congratulated the outgoing youth mayor, Millie Quinn, and deputy youth mayor, Favell Honoré, and welcomed the new youth mayor, Kwasi Akram Konachi, and deputy youth mayor, Sophia Dyson.

Councillor Jeremy Ambache outlined four goals for his term:

• To model good behaviour in council meetings while having vigorous political debates.
• To celebrate Wandsworth's year as London Borough of Culture.
• To become more inclusive, welcoming those who are most disadvantaged and marginalised.
• To develop more active lifestyles and travel more on foot, on scooters, and on bicycles.

He also announced his three mayoral charities: Wandsworth Welcomes Refugees, Wandsworth Oasis, and Mindwatch UK.

Appointments

The council approved the appointment of cabinet members, committee members, and representatives to outside bodies.

The cabinet members and their remits are:

• Councillor Kemi Akinola: Voluntary Sector, business engagement and culture
• Councillor Angela Ireland: Finance
• Councillor Aydin Dikerdem: Housing
• Councillor Judi Gasser: Children
• Councillor Graeme Henderson: Health
• Councillor Jenny Yates: Transport
• Councillor Paul White: Environment

Councillor Kemi Akinola was also appointed as Deputy Leader of the Council.

Councillor Aled Richards-Jones was confirmed as Leader of the Opposition, and Councillor Mrs. Kim Caddy as Deputy Leader of the Opposition.

Tributes

Councillor Simon Hogg, Leader of the Council, thanked the outgoing mayor, Councillor Sana Jafri, for her service, highlighting her work in celebrating and supporting the community, and uniting the people of Wandsworth. He also thanked Councillor Finna Ayres, Deputy Mayor, for her year of service.

Councillor Aled Richards-Jones also thanked Councillor Sana Jafri and Councillor Finna Ayres for their service. He also noted that the meeting coincided with the 60th anniversary of Wandsworth Borough Council.