Wandsworth’s New Leader-elect Sets Out First Steps
The Conservative’s Aled Richards-Jones poised to form administration
Wandsworth Council’s leader-elect, Councillor Aled Richards-Jones. Picture: Wandsworth Council
May 22, 2026
Wandsworth Council’s leader-elect, Councillor Aled Richards-Jones, has outlined the first actions his incoming Conservative-led administration will take as it prepares to assume office following the local elections. The Conservatives won 29 seats, becoming the largest group on the council, with Labour securing 28 seats and one Independent councillor elected. Thirty seats are required for an outright majority.
A confidence-and-supply arrangement has been agreed in principle with Independent councillor Malcolm Grimston, who has represented West Hill ward since 1994. The agreement, which will be reviewed annually, will allow the Conservatives to form an administration when governance arrangements are confirmed at the council’s Annual General Meeting on 27 May 2026.
Councillor Richards-Jones thanked residents for their support and said his top priority is to provide “clear leadership” for the borough while confronting what he described as a “serious financial challenge” facing the council. He pledged swift action to protect frontline services, restore confidence in how the council is run and take immediate steps to stabilise the borough’s finances.
Two major reviews have been launched as the administration-elect prepares to take office: a Spending Review and a Constitutional Review.
The Spending Review will focus on addressing a £137 million budget gap — the largest in the council’s history. The review will examine all areas of expenditure, including major projects and future borrowing plans, to identify immediate savings. The council says it will prioritise protecting core neighbourhood services such as weekly bin collections, street sweeping and the removal of fly-tipping and graffiti. Non-discretionary spending will be scrutinised, and most new recruitment will be paused while the review is underway.
Alongside this, the Constitutional Review will consider how the council can operate in a more open, transparent and effective way. It will look at strengthening scrutiny, clarifying procedures and ensuring councillors from all parties — and independents — can raise issues on behalf of residents at council meetings.
Both reviews are expected to report back by the council’s first ordinary meeting in July, when the new administration will set out its full programme.
Councillor Richards-Jones said his focus is on delivering a “well-run council that delivers for every resident,” adding: “That means financial responsibility and transparent decision making. That is the foundation for the services residents rely on — like clean streets, safer neighbourhoods and high-quality housing. I look forward to working constructively with all councillors to deliver it.”
The full list of cabinet appointments and governance arrangements will be confirmed at the AGM on 27 May.
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