Councillor Martin Abrams has been elected as the new Leader of Lambeth Council, following a council meeting on Monday, June 1, 2026. The decision saw Councillor Abrams, nominated by the Green Group, secure the leadership role with 32 votes in favour, zero against, and 26 abstentions. No other candidates were put forward for the position.

The Liberal Democrats announced their support for Councillor Abrams, citing the recent local election results which returned the largest number of Green councillors. Councillor Tam Langley of the Liberal Democrats stated, We are the Liberal Democrats because we believe in democracy. And so on that basis, we are happy to support the leader of the Green group.

This support was contingent on the satisfaction of three key conditions. Firstly, the Liberal Democrats insisted on enhanced ward councillor roles. Approved changes to the council's constitution were noted as achieving this, with Councillor Langley highlighting that these changes would significantly enhance the role of ward councillors.

Secondly, the agreement included a commitment to improved scrutiny. Councillor Langley emphasised that this council must be subject to better scrutiny of its decisions and that unfortunately, under the last administration, the administration chaired the scrutiny functions. That can't continue. Amendments passed during the meeting will significantly enhance the role of ward councillors and ensure better scrutiny of its decisions. Furthermore, a Liberal Democrat amendment to have the Chairs of Cabinet Committees elected by the full council was carried, as was a second amendment proposing that where a Cabinet member disagrees with a Cabinet committee recommendation, the decision should be escalated to the full council.

Finally, a commitment to a balanced and legal budget was a crucial condition. Councillor Langley remarked, a campaign commitment for us that's incredibly important as a party is that this council, in the wake of very serious financial problems that are ongoing and which we will all have to work together to address, must commit to a balanced and legal budget.

Further details of the council meeting and associated reports can be found in the Public reports pack and the Agenda frontsheet.