A grassroots independent political party has launched in Wandle Ward, emerging months after the area’s two Labour councillors were promoted to controversial new deputy cabinet positions that cost taxpayers £46,570.
The Wandle Independent Group announced it will field two candidates in the May 2026 local elections, positioning itself as a neighbourhood-first alternative focused on “local solutions, free from the influence of Westminster politics.”
While the party’s website makes no direct criticism of incumbents Denise Paul and Sarmila Varatharaj, it draws pointed contrasts with current representation. “We are not career politicians, nor are we tied to the agendas of national political parties,” the group states, adding that “being independent means our loyalty is solely to the people of Wandle Ward.”
The party emphasises it can “focus entirely on what matters most to our community, listen without bias, and make decisions that directly benefit our ward” – with policies “driven by your concerns, not by party politics.”
Behind the diplomatic language lie deeper frustrations. According to sources, the party was created in large part out of frustration that the current councillors have been “missing in action since elected.” The Wandle Independent Group held a kick-off meeting late last month.
‘Expensive bribe’
The timing is notable. In May, Paul was appointed Deputy Cabinet Member for Resident Engagement while Varatharaj became Deputy Cabinet Member for Communities – two of five new positions created at a total cost of £46,570.
These appointments came just weeks after council leader Simon Hogg narrowly survived a leadership challenge from fellow Labour councillor Kate Stock, winning by just 21 votes to 13 – when a small number of votes unexpectedly shifted at the last minute. Stock was subsequently removed from cabinet. The new deputy positions, which we have been unable to find any mention of prior to the leadership contest, were created shortly after.
The Conservative opposition condemned the new roles as “poor value for money,” with councillor Peter Graham suggesting at a council sub-committee meeting they would be seen by the public as “an expensive bribe”. The positions passed through committee only on a chairman’s casting vote after a 5-5 deadlock, amid criticism that no clear rationale or performance indicators had been provided.
Independent councillor Malcolm Grimston questioned the move, saying councillors were being asked to approve new payments “without any sense of what went wrong with the previous scheme or how this one will deliver better value.”
What does the WIG stand for?
The Wandle Independent Group describes itself as “a grassroots collective of Wandle Ward residents” including “parents, local employees, small business owners, retirees, and active community members who share a deep commitment to making Wandle Ward the best it can be.”
Their platform focuses on making walking to school safer, supporting young people and seniors, ensuring warm and secure homes, achieving higher recycling rates, and being “a stronger voice for Wandle.”
The party says it will select its two candidates through a single transferable vote system, with final selections expected by February 2026. If elected, they pledge to work with councillors “from across the political spectrum” to promote local priorities.
The 2022 election saw Labour win both Wandle seats with Paul receiving 1,750 votes (49.0%) and Varatharaj 1,668 (46.7%), narrowly defeating Conservative candidates who polled around 40% in what was then a newly created ward.
Labour’s victory in Wandsworth that year ended 44 years of Conservative control, but the administration has since faced mounting challenges including criticism from the housing regulator, internal leadership battles, and accusations of financial mismanagement.
Councillors Paul and Varatharaj were contacted for comment. We asked whether they remained committed to standing in Wandle Ward in 2026, what work they had undertaken in their new deputy cabinet roles, and their response to concerns raised about ward representation. We will update this story if they respond.
