Councillor Robert Morritt has been elected as the new Leader of Wandsworth Council, securing victory over Councillor Simon Hogg by a vote of 30 to 26 at a council meeting held on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. The election follows the resignation of the previous leader, Councillor Aled Richards-Jones, who stated that his professional and personal circumstances... has changed.
Councillor Morritt enters his new role with a clear set of policy priorities aimed at addressing the council's financial challenges. His manifesto includes fixing the town hall financial crisis,
prioritizing the basics, the core services that people rely on, like weekly bin collections,
funding more police officers,
and a fairer deal on housing.
These priorities come at a critical time for Wandsworth Council, which faces immediate challenges including a significant inherited budget gap of £137 million.
This gap is exacerbated by an £84 million reduction in government funding
and overspending from the previous administration.
Councillor Peter Graham, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance, warned that reserves will run out inside two years
if decisive action is not taken.
Councillor Richards-Jones expressed pride in continuing as councillor for Northcote Wards despite his resignation as leader. Meanwhile, Councillor Simon Hogg, who was unsuccessful in his bid for leadership, remains the Leader of the Opposition. He has indicated a willingness to work together on the more sensible proposals
put forward by the new administration and reaffirmed his party's commitment to keeping council tax as low as possible for hard-working residents.
Further details on the council's financial situation and the agenda for the meeting can be found in the Public reports pack and the Agenda frontsheet.
