Wandsworth Council formally elected Councillor Jeremy Ambache as Mayor for the second time on Tuesday night, during a civic ceremony that combined heartfelt tributes with sharp political controversy.
The evening, held at the Town Hall, began with warm thanks to outgoing mayor Councillor Sana Jafri — who made history as Wandsworth’s youngest, first Muslim, and first South Asian mayor. In an emotional farewell, she reflected on her year of service and the £103,000 raised for local charities. “This year has changed my life,” she said. “We’ve shown what hope and community can achieve.”
But beneath the pageantry, the meeting also saw a contentious vote that approved five new Deputy Cabinet Member roles — a move the opposition condemned as wasteful and politically suspect.
Controversial vote breaks ceremony
By 29 votes to 17, Labour councillors pushed through the new posts, each carrying an allowance of £9,314, despite every Conservative and one independent councillor voting against. The roles — in housing, health, environment, communities, and resident engagement — will replace the existing “policy champions” and support Cabinet Members with delivery.
The Conservative opposition forced a recorded vote and blasted the move as “poor value for money,” questioning both the cost and necessity. But it wasn’t just the price tag that drew criticism.
The decision has fuelled internal speculation that the new positions were created as a reward for loyalty to council leader Simon Hogg, who narrowly survived a recent leadership challenge. Hogg has ignored questions above the move.
The new Deputy Cabinet Members will be:
- Steve Worrall – Deputy Cabinet Member for Health
- Denise Paul – Deputy Cabinet Member for Resident Engagement
- Jo Rigby – Deputy Cabinet Member for Environment
- Matthew Tiller – Deputy Cabinet Member for Housing
- Sarmila Varatharaj – Deputy Cabinet Member for Communities
A mayor “so good, they appointed him twice”
In contrast to the row, incoming mayor Jeremy Ambache was greeted with genuine warmth from both sides of the chamber. A former Liberal Democrat turned Labour councillor, Ambache was praised for his energetic, community-first approach and his efforts to modernise the mayoralty during his previous term.
This time, he set out four priorities: promoting respectful debate in council, celebrating the borough’s cultural diversity, including marginalised communities, and encouraging active, healthy lifestyles.
He will raise funds for three local charities:
- Wandsworth Welcomes Refugees
- Wandsworth Oasis
- MindWorks UK
In a gesture of cross-party unity, Ambache appointed Conservative Councillor Rosemary Birchall as Deputy Mayor.
