The annual meeting of Lambeth Council saw Councillor Adrian Garden elected as Mayor and Councillor Christine Banton as Deputy Mayor for the 2025-26 municipal year, while also addressing committee appointments, the council's constitution, and member allowance schemes. The council voted to approve the recommendations in reports regarding the allocation of seats to political groups, the constitution, and the members allowances scheme, all despite some dissent.

Election of Mayor and Deputy Mayor

Councillor Adrian Garden was elected as Mayor of Lambeth for 2025-26, succeeding Councillor John-Paul Ennis. Councillor Cameron moved the motion, seconded by Councillor Tiedemann, highlighting Councillor Garden's dedication to charitable causes and his extensive community work, including his involvement with the Friends of Windmill Gardens and the Brixton Windmill. Councillor Tiedemann also noted Councillor Garden's work on the Myats North home-building scheme and the town hall refurbishment.

Councillor Christine Banton was elected as Deputy Mayor, with Councillor Spencer moving the motion, seconded by Councillor Meldrum. Councillor Spencer praised Councillor Banton's community involvement in Gypsy Hill, her work as a mental health advocate, and her championing of efforts to tackle gender-based violence. Councillor Meldrum highlighted Councillor Banton's dedication to the sickle cell policy and her work with the community shop in Norwood.

Political Group Committee Seat Allocation

The council voted to approve the recommendations in the report regarding the allocation of seats to political groups. Councillors Scott Ainslie, Matthew Bryant, and Scarlett O'Hara spoke on the item. Councillor Ainslie expressed disappointment with the lack of opposition representation on scrutiny committees, calling it an unrepresentative, undemocratic, mark your own homework echo chamber . Councillor Bryant echoed these concerns, stating that 48% of voters who did not support the Labour Party were represented by just seven of the 39 councillors on the committees. Councillor O'Hara defended the Labour majority's representation, stating that Lambeth voted Labour and its councillors are best placed to represent them.

Council Constitution

The council voted to approve the recommendations in the report regarding the council's constitution for 2025-26. Councillors Ainslie, Donna Harris, and James Bryan spoke on the item. Councillor Ainslie argued that the Green Party should have a seat on the Constitutional Working Group, criticising constitutional changes that prevented motions on international matters. Councillor Harris supported Councillor Ainslie's proposal and emphasised the importance of constitutional safeguards for democracy. Councillor Bryan highlighted revisions to the constitution focused on inclusivity, delivery, and equity.

Members' Allowances Scheme

The council voted to approve the recommendations in the report regarding the Members' Allowances Scheme 2025-2026, which included a 2.5% uplift for basic and special responsibility allowances. Councillors Ainslie, Ben Curtis, and Annie Gallop spoke on the item. Councillor Ainslie questioned the value for money of special responsibility allowances, while Councillor Curtis stated that the Liberal Democrats would abstain due to concerns about the scope and scale of the allowances. Councillor Gallop spoke in favour of the scheme, highlighting the importance of the allowances for ensuring diverse representation on the council.

Councillor Ainslie stated:

We don't think members with additional responsibilities are consistently performing those responsibilities satisfactorily to want the fee residents pay for their title.

Other Business

• Councillor John-Paul Ennis, the outgoing Mayor, presented his report on mayoral activities for 2024-25, reflecting on his experiences and viral moments, and thanking those who supported his charities, Brickson Street Gym and Young People Matter.
• Councillors Ainsley, Bryant and Rezina Chowdhury spoke to the External Auditor Recommendations under paragraph 2 of Schedule 7 of the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 and the Council’s Response to those Recommendations.
• Councillors Scott Ainslie, Donna Harris and Nanda Manley-Browne spoke to the Pay Policy Statement 2025/26 and raised the following points.
• The council noted the updated cabinet portfolios and other administration and opposition appointments.
• The council approved the minutes from the meeting held on 5 March 2025.
• Councillor Ian Davis was welcomed to his first meeting as the new Chief Executive.