The Council meeting on Wednesday 22 July 2026 saw the appointment of a new Chief Executive and Leader, alongside a significant debate on the council's financial position and proposed spending review. Key decisions included the approval of constitutional reforms aimed at increasing transparency and accountability, and the election of Councillor Robert Morritt as the new Leader of the Council.

Appointment of New Chief Executive and Leader

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's appointment is effective from 25th July 2026. Following this, a vote was held to elect a new Leader of the Council. After a recorded vote, Councillor Robert Morritt was elected as the new Leader, succeeding Councillor Richard Jones.

Spending Review and Financial Challenges

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a statement by the Cabinet Member for Finance, Councillor Peter Graham, on the council's spending review. Councillor Graham outlined a projected budget gap of £184 million by 2030-31, attributing this to a combination of reduced government funding and overspending by the previous administration. He detailed initial outcomes of the spending review, including plans to revert to the council's coat of arms, refurbish the town hall, and review support for the voluntary sector. Councillor Graham also announced intentions to recruit 24 additional police officers and improve street cleaning services.

The Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Simon Hogg, responded critically, labelling the statement as disappointing and plainly misleading regarding the council's finances. He argued that the council was in a strong position and that the proposed austerity measures would negatively impact the most vulnerable. Councillor Hogg also questioned the accuracy of the projected budget gap and criticised the lack of consultation on the proposed changes.

The debate highlighted a stark difference in perspective on the council's financial health, with the administration emphasizing the severity of the inherited deficit and the opposition maintaining that the council was financially sound and that the proposed cuts were unnecessary.

Constitutional Reforms Approved

The council approved the first tranche of reforms to the council's procedures stemming from a constitutional review. These reforms, presented by Councillor Aled Richards-Jones, aim to make council proceedings more open, transparent, and effective. Key changes include enhancing the role of all councillors by allowing them to participate more freely in debates and question sessions, introducing a facility for pairing to allow for absences, and granting the Leader of the Opposition the right to attend cabinet meetings. The reforms also aim to restore meaningful pre-decision scrutiny to overview and scrutiny committees and introduce proper cabinet member scrutiny.

Other Business

The meeting also included the presentation of several petitions from residents on various issues, including a request for a cabinet member responsible for the voluntary sector, concerns about the size of the pool at Putney Vale, the need for zebra crossings near ASDA in Roehampton, and calls to continue holiday school food vouchers.

Additionally, the council approved revisions to committee memberships and outside bodies' appointments for the municipal year 2026/27. This included appointing Councillor Gossain to replace Councillor Hedges on the Health and Wellbeing Board, following a correction to an initial error.

The meeting concluded with the formal noting of Councillor Kemi Akinola's appointment as the Statutory Deputy Leader of the Opposition.