Lambeth Council has adopted a new governance model, moving away from a solely leader and cabinet system. The decision, made during a council meeting on Monday, June 1, 2026, introduces reforms aimed at enhancing transparency and the role of ward councillors.
The council debated and voted on an urgent motion concerning future governance and democratic reform. While a full committee system was not implemented, amendments were passed that will see the Chairs of Cabinet Committees elected by the full council, rather than appointed by the administration. Additionally, if a Cabinet member disagrees with a recommendation from a Cabinet committee, the decision will now be escalated to the full council.
The substantive motion, as amended, was passed with 32 votes in favour, zero against, and 26 abstentions.
The meeting discussed a move towards a 'true committee system under the 2011 Locals of Act', but this was not implemented. Councillor Matthew Bryant of the Liberal Democrats stated, our preference has been that this council moves from a leader and cabinet system to a true committee system under the 2011 Locals of Act. And we regret that that can't be done... But we recognise that we are eight and we are not 27 or 26 and therefore we are not indulging council's time and pushing for a pure committee system.
Councillor Scott Ainslie, Group Leader, described the changes as overdue and positive changes
and a step forward, acknowledging it was not the finished destination.
Councillor Matthew Bryant of the Liberal Democrats noted that while not their preferred option, the approved changes were better than the arrangements we have had thus far.
Councillor Tam Langley highlighted that the approved constitutional changes would significantly enhance the role of ward councillors
and ensure better scrutiny of its decisions.
Councillor Martin Abrams also welcomed stronger involvement for ward councillors
and greater transparency around cabinet decisions and reforms that make participation easier for councillors. With things like caring responsibilities, disabilities or health needs, you know, we welcome that accessibility.
The meeting also approved the establishment of a Finance and Budget Scrutiny Committee and an increase in the size of the Scrutiny Subcommittee from six to seven members, which would also contribute to enhanced scrutiny.
The first Liberal Democrat amendment, which was carried, sought to have the Chairs of Cabinet Committees elected by the full council rather than appointed by the administration. The meeting information does not specify the term length for these positions.
The second Liberal Democrat amendment, which passed, proposed that 'where a Cabinet member disagrees with a recommendation from a Cabinet committee, the decision should be escalated to the full council'. Councillor Matthew Bryant of the Liberal Democrats further explained, where a Cabinet member would disagree with a recommendation of the Cabinet committees that we wish to establish, that when that circumstance arises, effectively they should not be able to make that decision, contrary to the democratic view of councillors on committees. And if they wish to do so, they ultimately, there is an escalation route that comes to this chamber to make, because the legislation requires this, a non-binding recommendation.
Further details on the council's public reports can be found in the Public reports pack Monday 01-Jun-2026 19.00 Council.
