Councillor Aled Richards-Jones
Email: cllr.a.richards-jones@wandsworth.gov.uk
Council: Wandsworth
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Positions, Voting Record & Activity Summary
Aled Richards-Jones has demonstrated a consistent and evolving commitment to public service across his years on Wandsworth Council, with a particularly strong and focused presence in recent years. Serving as Councillor for Northcote Ward and, crucially, as Leader of the Opposition, his work has been characterized by a dedication to fiscal prudence, resident advocacy, and the upholding of procedural fairness.
Key Themes and Priorities:
Across his council service, Richards-Jones has consistently prioritized fiscal responsibility. This is evident in his repeated questioning of council funding, deficits, and budget overspends, particularly in the critical social care sector. He has also shown a keen interest in the sustainability of borrowing levels. Another core theme is resident advocacy, where he has actively championed the concerns of his constituents, addressing issues ranging from traffic gridlock to the cost of living crisis and the impact of local development. Furthermore, he has consistently advocated for procedural fairness and the rights of the opposition, ensuring that council business is conducted transparently and with due consideration for all parties.
Evolution of Focus:
While fiscal responsibility and resident concerns have been enduring priorities, Richards-Jones's role as Leader of the Opposition in recent years has amplified his focus on challenging council decisions and practices. His engagement has become more strategic and pointed, directly confronting the council leadership on significant policy issues. The emphasis has shifted towards not just questioning, but actively proposing alternatives and demanding accountability for council actions. His recent interventions, such as challenging the traffic gridlock in Putney and the closure of Bradstow Community Special School, highlight a more assertive and direct approach to addressing perceived failures of the administration.
Most Significant Contributions (Recent Years):
In 2025, Richards-Jones's role as Leader of the Opposition was central to his contributions. His forceful challenge to the council leader regarding the traffic gridlock in Putney, directly attributing it to Labour's road changes and advocating for their reversal, stands out. His statement,
encapsulates his commitment to addressing tangible resident issues. His concern over the lack of transparency in the closure of Bradstow Community Special School also demonstrates a dedication to ensuring due process and community well-being. In 2024, his opposition to the Old Tech development on Wimbledon Park, labeling it a
'We brought this motion tonight because Putney needs hope. Hope that the traffic situation will improve, that we might hear people's worry, and that the choking congestion is not the future we're being consigned to,'
dangerous precedent,
and his questioning of the council's expenditure on legal advice related to the old tech expansion
showcase his role in scrutinizing significant development projects and council spending.
Patterns and Consistent Areas of Interest:
Richards-Jones exhibits a consistent pattern of vigilance regarding council finances and a strong inclination to question decisions that he believes are not in the best interest of residents or do not adhere to proper procedure. His role as a vocal opposition leader has allowed him to consistently highlight perceived shortcomings in council governance and policy. His engagement with issues like the cost of living crisis and local infrastructure (traffic) demonstrates a sustained interest in the practical impact of council decisions on everyday life.
Overall, Aled Richards-Jones's council service reflects a dedicated public servant whose priorities have sharpened and whose impact has become more pronounced in his recent leadership role within the opposition. He is a consistent voice for fiscal prudence, resident welfare, and transparent governance.
Yearly Activity Timeline
Throughout 2025, Aled Richards-Jones was a consistently active participant in Wandsworth Council, serving as Councillor for Northcote Ward and, significantly, as the Leader of the Opposition. His activities spanned council meetings, committee work, and direct engagement with key policy issues. He attended numerous council meetings and served on the Richmond and Wandsworth Joint Staffing Committee. Richards-Jones demonstrated a strong focus on fiscal responsibility, repeatedly questioning council funding, deficits, and budget overspends, particularly concerning the social care sector and the sustainability of borrowing levels. He also championed the needs of his constituents, most notably by forcefully challenging the council leader on the traffic gridlock in Putney, attributing it to Labour's road changes and advocating for their reversal, stating,
He also expressed concern over the closure of Bradstow Community Special School, arguing the decision lacked transparency and adequate reasoning. His contributions also included seconding motions on council tax and expressing appreciation for mayoral service, and reflecting on the history and importance of local government.
'We brought this motion tonight because Putney needs hope. Hope that the traffic situation will improve, that we might hear people's worry, and that the choking congestion is not the future we're being consigned to.'
Monthly Activity in 2025
During December 2025, Aled Richards-Jones, Councillor for Northcote Ward and Leader of the Opposition, was active in the Finance Committee meetings. In the meeting on December 1st, he declared his directorship of the Wandsworth Trading Company, stating no pecuniary interest. He raised several questions regarding the London Councils' Borough Subscription, specifically concerning the impact of the real living wage on contract prices, who would absorb the increase, the number of contracts still lacking these terms, and the overall cost to the council.
Also on December 1st, as Leader of the Opposition, he voiced concerns about the reduction in funding for Nine Elms and its overall investment. He also highlighted budget overspends, particularly the effect of the national insurance contribution increase on the social care sector. Richards-Jones expressed apprehension about the sustainability of current borrowing levels and the slow progress on capital receipts. Due to the extent of borrowing, he stated his inability to support the paper, despite generally agreeing with many of the presented schemes. There is no record of him speaking or taking action in the Wandsworth Council meeting on December 10th.
Meetings in December 2025
Wandsworth Council - 10 December 2025
There is no record of Aled Richards-Jones speaking or taking any action in the provided transcript for the Wandsworth Council meeting on 2025-12-10.
Agenda and minutes - 1 December 2025
Aled Richards-Jones, Councillor for Northcote Ward, participated in the Finance Committee meeting. He declared his directorship of the Wandsworth Trading Company, stating he had no pecuniary interest. During the discussion on the London Councils' Borough Subscription, he raised questions about the impact of the real living wage on contract prices, asking if the council or contractors would absorb the increase and how many contracts still lacked these terms. He also inquired about the overall cost to the council of implementing the real living wage.
Agenda and minutes - 1 December 2025
Aled Richards-Jones, as Leader of the Opposition, raised several key concerns during the Finance Committee meeting on 2025-12-01. He questioned the reduction in funding for Nine Elms and the overall investment in the area. Richards-Jones also highlighted concerns about budget overspends, specifically asking about the effect of the national insurance contribution increase on the social care sector. Furthermore, he expressed apprehension regarding the sustainability of current borrowing levels and the slow progress on capital receipts. Ultimately, he stated his inability to support the paper due to the extent of borrowing involved, despite his general support for many of the schemes presented.
In November 2025, Aled Richards-Jones, as Leader of the Opposition at Wandsworth Council, called in the Cabinet's decision to close Bradstow Community Special School. He argued the decision lacked transparency and risked being unreasonable or irrational, citing a huge lacuna in the reasoning
due to the Cabinet not questioning Ms. Benton from the school. Richards-Jones contended that the school's viability arguments were not adequately examined and refuted claims that Paddock School was a suitable replacement, emphasizing Bradstow's unique provision for children with complex needs. He also challenged the administration's interpretation of correspondence with the Department for Education regarding academization.
Meetings in November 2025
Wandsworth Council - 17 November 2025
Aled Richards-Jones, as Leader of the Opposition, called in the Cabinet's decision to close Bradstow Community Special School. He argued that the decision was contrary to the principles of openness and transparency and that there was a risk the decision was unreasonable or irrational. He stated: > The Conservative opposition sought call-in of this decision on two bases. The first was that the decision was contrary to the presumption of openness and transparency under Article 10.3 of our Constitution. And secondly, that there was a risk that the decision was unreasonable or irrational.
Richards-Jones highlighted that the Cabinet did not have the opportunity to ask questions of Ms. Benton from Bradstow School, leading to a huge lacuna in the reasoning,
and requested that the headteacher, Mrs. Adams, be allowed to participate in the discussion. He countered the administration's contention that the school is not viable, arguing: > We know that the school vigorously argues that it is viable, and we know that many of the arguments that it has presented in its business plan were not examined in the Cabinet paper or in the Cabinet discussion itself.
He also addressed the perceived change in tone regarding the call-in process: > On delay, I'm afraid there was a strange and marked change of tone in the Labour Council this evening. Councillor Boswell started off the meeting by saying this meeting was democracy at its best. She and Councillor Osborne then proceeded to tell us that we were wrong to bring this call in and in fact, you know, the school and its pupils, we were doing them a disservice.
Furthermore, he refuted Councillor Gasser's points regarding the Paddock School and debt recovery, stating: > The first, she said that the responsibilities to Wandsworth children and she mentioned Paddock School as some sort of replacement for this provision. That fundamentally mischaracterises the nature of the provision at Paddock which is very different to the nature of provision at Bradstow and Wandsworth Council does owe an obligation to children in its care that have the sort of complex needs that can only be met at Bradstow.
He also challenged Councillor Gasser's inference about the Department for Education's stance on academization: > Councillor Gasser also says that in her remark to the cabinet where she said she inferred that DfE wouldn't grant the academization order she said that the subsequent correspondence between the council and the department for education vindicated that approach. That is not true. The correspondence actually shows something different.
During the October 22, 2025, Wandsworth Council meeting, Aled Richards-Jones, as Leader of the Opposition, raised two primary concerns with the council leader. His first line of questioning focused on council funding cuts and the council's financial management, specifically a £20 million deficit, questioning whether it would be addressed without drawing on reserves. His second set of questions pertained to Lavender Hill Police Station and the Mayor of London's alleged manifesto breach regarding a 24-7 police counter. Richards-Jones also queried the council leader's own manifesto pledge for robust action on crime
and the funding of law enforcement officers
by property developers, asking why this pledge had not yet been met.
Meetings in October 2025
Wandsworth Council - 22 October 2025
As the Leader of the Opposition, Aled Richards-Jones posed two main questions during the council meeting. His first question was directed at the leader concerning cuts to council funding. He expressed disappointment that the leader could not confirm private meetings with ministers or any concessions secured. He followed up with a supplementary question regarding the council's financial management, specifically a £20 million deficit, and whether the leader would address this gap without utilizing reserves.
His second question also addressed the leader, focusing on Lavender Hill Police Station and the Mayor of London's alleged manifesto breach concerning a 24-7 police counter. Richards-Jones then questioned the leader's own manifesto pledge for robust action on crime
and the funding of law enforcement officers
by property developers, inquiring why no such officers had been funded and when this pledge would be met.
Wandsworth Council - 9 October 2025
Councillor Aled Richards-Jones, the Conservative councillor for Northcote Ward and Leader of the Opposition, attended the Wandsworth Council Finance Committee meeting on October 9, 2025. However, the available transcript does not record him speaking or taking any action during the meeting.
During September 2025, Aled Richards-Jones attended the Richmond and Wandsworth Joint Staffing Committee meeting on September 15th, representing Wandsworth Council. No specific actions or statements were recorded for him during this meeting.
Meetings in September 2025
Agenda - 15 September 2025
Aled Richards-Jones was present at the Richmond and Wandsworth Joint Staffing Committee meeting on 2025-09-15, representing Wandsworth Council. The provided documents do not contain any record of him speaking or taking any specific actions during the meeting.
In July 2025, Aled Richards-Jones was active in council meetings, identifying himself as the Councillor for Northcote Ward and the Leader of the Opposition. He attended the Richmond and Wandsworth Joint Staffing Committee meeting as part of the Wandsworth Council delegation. As Leader of the Opposition, he significantly challenged the Leader of the Council, Councillor Hogg, regarding traffic gridlock around Putney Bridge, attributing the issue to Labour's road changes. Richards-Jones questioned the measures to resolve the gridlock and criticized Labour's handling of basic services, specifically asking about the restoration of street cleaning, bin collection, and the Northcote Road pedestrianisation scheme. He argued for reversing the road layout changes, stating,
We brought this motion tonight because Putney needs hope. Hope that the traffic situation will improve, that we might hear people's worry, and that the choking congestion is not the future we're being consigned to.
He further emphasized that the current situation
cannot be allowed to go on
and that the proposed solutions were unconvincing. Richards-Jones asserted that the
only solution is to reverse the changes to the road layout,
calling the changes a mistake that
everybody knows it, and I believe many of you even know it.
He concluded by stating that the council's inaction meant
Putney's paying the price. Putney deserves better, and they've had enough, and because hope, hope that this can change, is the very least they deserve.
Meetings in July 2025
Agenda - 16 July 2025
Aled Richards-Jones, as Leader of the Opposition, questioned the Leader of the Council, Councillor Hogg, regarding traffic gridlock around Putney Bridge following Labour's road changes. He asked what measures would be introduced to resolve the issue and criticized Labour's failure to get the basics right and listen to residents,
specifically inquiring about when street cleaning, bin collection, and the Northcote Road pedestrianisation scheme would be restored. During the debate on Putney traffic chaos, Richards-Jones stated:
We brought this motion tonight because Putney needs hope. Hope that the traffic situation will improve, that we might hear people's worry, and that the choking congestion is not the future we're being consigned to.
He further argued that the current situation cannot be allowed to go on
and that the leader's assurances were unconvincing. Richards-Jones asserted that the only solution is to reverse the changes to the road layout,
calling the changes a mistake that everybody knows it, and I believe many of you even know it.
He concluded by stating that the council won't stand up to the Mayor, you won't challenge your friends across the river, and Putney's paying the price. Putney deserves better, and they've had enough, and because hope, hope that this can change, is the very least they deserve.
Agenda - 10 July 2025
Aled Richards-Jones attended the Richmond and Wandsworth Joint Staffing Committee meeting on 2025-07-10 as a member of the Wandsworth Council delegation. He had previously submitted apologies for lateness to the meeting on 2025-02-24. No other specific statements or actions by Aled Richards-Jones were recorded in the provided documents for this meeting.
Agenda - 3 July 2025
Aled Richards-Jones introduced himself as the Councillor for Northcote Ward and the Leader of the Opposition.
During the May 2025 council meetings, Aled Richards-Jones, as Leader of the Opposition, spoke at the annual meeting. He reflected on the 60-year history of Wandsworth Borough Council, acknowledging its transformation and the impact of both Conservative and Labour administrations. Richards-Jones emphasized the significance of local government and the role of councillors, also making a lighthearted comment to Councillor Jeremy Ambash on his second term as Mayor.
Meetings in May 2025
Agenda - 21 May 2025
Aled Richards-Jones, in his capacity as Leader of the Opposition, addressed the Council at its annual meeting. He reflected on the 60-year history of Wandsworth Borough Council, highlighting the borough's transformation and specifically mentioning his ward, Northcote. Richards-Jones acknowledged the significant impact of the council on shaping the borough and recognized the contributions of both past Conservative and Labour administrations. He emphasized the importance of local government and the role of councillors. He concluded with a lighthearted remark directed at Councillor Jeremy Ambash, who was commencing his second term as Mayor.
During the March 5, 2025 Council meeting, Aled Richards-Jones seconded an amendment to the motion regarding council tax and investment for Wandsworth residents. He also seconded a motion expressing appreciation for the service of Councillor Sana Jafri as Mayor and Councillor Ayres as Deputy Mayor.
Meetings in March 2025
Agenda and draft minutes - 5 March 2025
In the Council meeting on 2025-03-05, Aled Richards-Jones seconded an amendment to the motion LOWEST COUNCIL TAX AND RECORD INVESTMENT FOR WANDSWORTH RESIDENTS (PAPER NO. 25-113)
. Additionally, Aled Richards-Jones seconded a motion moved by Councillor Hogg, which expressed appreciation for the service of Councillor Sana Jafri as Mayor and Councillor Ayres as Deputy Mayor.
During February 2025, Aled Richards-Jones participated in two council meetings. He served as a member of the Richmond and Wandsworth Joint Staffing Committee, representing Wandsworth Council, and also as a member of the Standards Committee. No specific statements or actions were recorded for him in the public reports for either meeting.
Meetings in February 2025
Agenda - 24 February 2025
Councillor Aled Richards-Jones was present at the Richmond and Wandsworth Joint Staffing Committee meeting on November 11, 2024. However, the available minutes do not record any specific statements or actions attributed to him during the meeting.
Agenda - 19 February 2025
Aled Richards-Jones was a member of the Standards Committee for the meeting on 19th February 2025. The provided report pack does not contain any record of him speaking or taking any specific actions during this meeting.
Agenda - 5 February 2025
Aled Richards-Jones, as Leader of the Opposition, raised points of order regarding the agenda, specifically the placement of the motion concerning Bradstow's school. He argued that placing it at the end of the agenda risked it being timed out and questioned the Mayor's decision-making. He stated:
Councillor Richard Jones what is the point of order it's this the residents who sent us here tonight Madam Mayor did not send us here for this with deep regret I'm afraid we can't participate further in tonight's meeting
Following this, he announced the Conservative group's withdrawal from the meeting in protest.
Agenda - 3 February 2025
Councillor Aled Richards-Jones was a member of the Richmond and Wandsworth Joint Staffing Committee, representing Wandsworth Council. No specific statements or actions by Councillor Richards-Jones were recorded in the provided public reports pack.
Throughout 2024, Aled Richards-Jones was a consistently active participant in council meetings, primarily in his role as Leader of the Opposition and as a representative for Northcote Ward. His activities spanned several key areas:
Challenging Council Decisions and Practices: Richards-Jones frequently questioned council decisions and procedures. In July, he raised concerns about urgent items not being on the agenda, the legality of monitoring officer advice, and proposed an amendment to a contract award, criticizing the use of a specific procedure for a non-urgent matter. In October, he strongly opposed the approval of the Old Tech development on Wimbledon Park, deeming it a dangerous precedent
and advocating for an alternative that would have benefited the park and community. In December, he questioned the council's pursuit of judicial review against the old tech expansion
and its expenditure on legal advice, and also raised concerns about the undefined term deaccession collection items
in a heritage policy.
Addressing Resident Concerns and Cost of Living: A significant theme was his focus on issues directly impacting residents. He attributed a recent by-election loss to the administration's failure to address concerns like the Ashworth scheme and waste collection, and specifically asked if the Leader would cancel the Ashworth land development. In October, he inquired about the council's actions to support residents facing the cost of living crisis, particularly in light of the government's withdrawal of winter fuel payments. He also moved a motion in December highlighting the negative impact of higher employer national insurance contributions on local businesses and voluntary services.
Advocating for Procedural Fairness and Opposition Rights: Richards-Jones actively sought to uphold procedural conventions. In July, he moved a procedural motion to maintain the convention of supplementary questions being passed to the Opposition. He also engaged in discussions about government budgets and the protocol for reading questions in October.
Committee Membership: Beyond his opposition leadership, he also served as a member of the General Purposes Committee in May and the Richmond and Wandsworth Joint Staffing Committee in November, though no specific statements or actions were recorded for him in these roles during the reported meetings.
Monthly Activity in 2024
During December 2024, Aled Richards-Jones was active in two council meetings. In the Finance Committee meeting on December 4th, he raised a concern about the undefined term deaccession collection items
in the Wandsworth Heritage Collections Development Policy, questioning the authorization of disposal without a clear definition. On December 11th, as Leader of the Opposition, he questioned the Leader of the Council about pursuing judicial review against the old tech expansion
and the council's expenditure on legal advice. He also moved a motion highlighting the negative impact of higher employer national insurance contributions on local businesses and voluntary services, advocating for council support for charities.
Meetings in December 2024
Agenda - 11 December 2024
As Leader of the Opposition, Aled Richards-Jones questioned the Leader of the Council regarding a previous statement about not pursuing judicial review against the old tech expansion.
He asked if the Leader would now seek external legal advice on the matter and why the council would not spend £15,000 on legal advice to potentially stop the expansion, especially when compared to the council's expenditure on additional allowances for councillors.
Richards-Jones also moved a motion concerning the impact of higher employer national insurance contributions on Wandsworth Council, local businesses, and local voluntary services. He contended that this increase would significantly negatively affect these groups and advocated for the council to support exempting or compensating charities.
Agenda - 4 December 2024
During the Finance Committee meeting on 2024-12-04, Aled Richards-Jones raised a concern regarding the definition of deaccession collection items
within the Wandsworth Heritage Collections Development Policy. He questioned whether this term was defined in the document, stating,
My issue is, or rather my question is, is that recommendation D basically says there's a category of items called deaccession collection items, and it essentially authorises the custodians' items to then dispose them in the way described in recommendation D. But as I understand it, that's not a defined term, so we don't really know what we're talking about. We don't know what it is we're authorising for disposal here.
His concern was that without a clear definition, the committee might be authorizing the disposal of items without fully understanding their nature.
During November 2024, Councillor Aled Richards-Jones served as a member of the Richmond and Wandsworth Joint Staffing Committee, representing Wandsworth Council. No specific statements or actions were recorded for Councillor Richards-Jones in the public reports for the meetings held on November 18th and November 27th.
Meetings in November 2024
Agenda - 27 November 2024
Councillor Aled Richards-Jones was a member of the Richmond and Wandsworth Joint Staffing Committee, representing Wandsworth Council. No specific statements or actions by Councillor Richards-Jones were recorded in the provided public reports pack for the meeting on 2024-11-27.
Agenda - 18 November 2024
Councillor Aled Richards-Jones was a member of the Richmond and Wandsworth Joint Staffing Committee, representing Wandsworth Council. No specific statements or actions were recorded for Councillor Richards-Jones in the provided public reports pack.
Agenda - 11 November 2024
Councillor Aled Richards-Jones was present at the Richmond and Wandsworth Joint Staffing Committee meeting held on November 11, 2024. However, the available documentation does not record any specific statements or actions attributed to him.
During October 2024, Aled Richards-Jones was active in council meetings, introducing himself as the Leader of the Opposition and representative for Northcote Ward. He voiced significant concerns regarding the approval of the Old Tech development on Wimbledon Park, describing it as a dangerous precedent
and highlighting an alternative proposal that would have secured funding for park improvements, increased public access, and supported community initiatives. Richards-Jones also questioned the government's decision to withdraw winter fuel payments, impacting over 20,000 pensioners in Wandsworth,
and inquired about the council's actions to support residents facing the cost of living crisis. He further engaged in discussions about government budgets and the protocol for reading questions.
Meetings in October 2024
Agenda - 16 October 2024
Aled Richards-Jones, as Leader of the Opposition, raised concerns about the Old Tech development on Wimbledon Park, expressing disappointment with its approval and highlighting the potential for a dangerous precedent. He stated that the opposition had offered an alternative solution that would have secured funding for park improvements, increased public access, provided community space, free tickets for school children, and funding for arts and culture. Richards-Jones noted that the Planning Applications Committee had unanimously rejected the application and that officers had concluded there were no grounds for a successful judicial review due to potential legal fees exceeding £100,000. He reaffirmed the commitment to working with partners to ensure the green space is enjoyed by many.
He also asked a supplementary question about meeting with the Save Wimbledon Park
campaign, to which the Leader responded Yes.
Later, Richards-Jones questioned the government's decision to withdraw winter fuel payments from most pensioners, stating it would affect over 20,000 pensioners in Wandsworth. He also engaged in a discussion about the protocol for reading out questions.
Finally, he asked a supplementary question regarding the government's budget, inquiring if the Leader would write to the Chancellor to outline concerns and sign Age UK's petition. He also asked about Wandsworth Council's actions to support residents struggling with the cost of living crisis.
Agenda and decisions - 9 October 2024
Aled Richards-Jones introduced himself, stating his role as the Leader of the Opposition on Wands of Council and representing Northcote Ward in Battersea.
During July 2024, Councillor Aled Richards-Jones, as Leader of the Opposition, was active in council meetings. He raised concerns about an urgent item not being on the agenda and questioned the legality of the monitoring officer's advice. He also inquired about contingency plans for the London Borough of Culture bid, specifically regarding additional funding. Richards-Jones proposed an amendment to a contract award, criticizing the use of the SO83A procedure for a non-urgent matter. Additionally, he moved a procedural motion to maintain the convention of supplementary questions being passed to the Opposition. He questioned the Leader about the recent by-election loss, attributing it to the administration's failure to address resident concerns on issues like the Ashworth scheme and waste collection. He specifically asked if the Leader would cancel the Ashworth land development and expressed disappointment regarding the botched rollout
of new refuse collection arrangements.
Meetings in July 2024
Agenda - 24 July 2024
Aled Richards-Jones, as the Leader of the Opposition, moved a procedural motion to suspend standing order 11A15 to maintain the convention of the second supplementary question being passed to the Opposition Group. He stated, This has been in place for years and the current Leader has indicated a desire to break this agreement.
Richards-Jones then posed the first question to the Leader regarding the recent by-election loss in West Putney, inquiring if the administration's failure to address resident concerns on the Ashworth scheme, waste collection, and rising charges contributed to the loss. In a supplementary question, he sought a yes or no
answer on whether the Leader would cancel the Ashworth land development as a meaningful engagement exercise with residents.
He also raised a second supplementary question about the new refuse collection arrangements, expressing disappointment over the lack of a plan for teething problems, poor communication of changes, and residents' loss of faith in the food waste collection system due to its botched rollout.
Agenda and decisions - 17 July 2024
Councillor Aled Richards-Jones, Leader of the Opposition for Northcote Ward, introduced himself at the start of the meeting. He raised concerns about an urgent item not being included on the agenda, suggesting the monitoring officer's advice might be unlawful and seeking an undertaking from the Executive to address it soon. He also inquired about contingency plans for the London Borough of Culture bid, specifically whether the council would seek additional funds from ENSIL or the General Fund if the £1.79 million fundraising target was not met. Furthermore, Councillor Richards-Jones proposed an amendment to Recommendation 2C of the Voluntary and Community Sector Infrastructure paper, advocating for the contract award to be delegated to the Senior Responsible Officer (SRO) rather than utilizing the SO83A procedure, which he described as an abuse of the SO83A procedure
for a non-urgent matter.
During May 2024, Aled Richards-Jones participated as a member of the General Purposes Committee. No specific statements or actions were recorded for Councillor Richards-Jones in the provided meeting documents.
Meetings in May 2024
Agenda - 22 May 2024
Aled Richards-Jones was a member of the General Purposes Committee for the meeting on 2024-05-22. No specific statements or actions were recorded for Councillor Richards-Jones in the provided documents.
Activity Timeline
Meetings Attended Note this may include planned future meetings.
35 meetings · Page 4 of 7
Agenda
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.
Agenda and draft minutes
The meeting approved the Council’s budget, including a council tax freeze for the third year in a row. The meeting also approved a package of reforms to the Council’s constitution, including new rules about which decisions are treated as “key decisions” and a new process for scrutinising Cabinet decisions.
Agenda
This meeting was scheduled to be a wide-ranging review of workforce and staffing matters at Richmond and Wandsworth Councils. It included discussion of the key indicators of workforce performance like headcount, turnover and sickness absence, as well as a review of the staff survey. The Committee was also scheduled to receive an update on the recruitment of a new permanent Chief Executive and consider a report about politically restricted posts.
Agenda
This meeting was scheduled to discuss the council's response to a consultation on standards and conduct, a report on complaints made, and how the council provides training to ensure that councillors know and follow the rules.
Agenda
The council approved the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Budget and Rent Setting 2025/26 and a number of amendments to the Council's Standing Orders, following the walkout of all Conservative Councillors after the refusal of a motion to bring forward a debate on the possible closure of Bradstow School. The council also noted a number of supplementary items.
Decisions from Meetings
2 decisions
Call-in Request: The Discontinuance of Bradstow Community Special School and registered Children's Homes (Paper No.25-397)
From: Wandsworth Council - November 17, 2025
... to take no further action regarding the proposed closure of Bradstow Community Special School and registered Children's Homes, allowing the decision to discontinue the school to come into force and be implemented immediately.
Recommendations Approved
Declarations of Interests
From: Wandsworth Council - November 17, 2025
...that no disclosable pecuniary, other registrable, or non-registrable interests were declared.
Recommendations Approved
Summary
Meetings Attended: 35
Average per Month: 1.6
Decisions Recorded: 2