The council's leader has set out his plans for the next four years which include 'standing up' for the huge population of young professionals renting in Wandsworth.

Councillor Ravi Govindia, who was re-elected as leader on Monday evening, says he wants the council’s focus to be on creating a stronger Wandsworth where people have great services they need and more opportunities to get on in life.

The usual promise of maintaining low council tax was also high on the agenda.

Coun Govindia said: "We will concentrate on providing jobs and training, affordable housing and investing in great schools where our children can flourish.

"The incredible potential of Nine Elms and Wandsworth Town is now being realised and we have launched new services, like our Work Match recruitment team, to ensure local people share in this growth.  Transport, including bringing the tube to Battersea, will remain a priority.  

"Working with our communities we will regenerate the Winstanley and York Road estates in Battersea and the Alton in Roehampton.

"We are focusing a package of health, employment and youth mentoring services on these areas to help tackle long-standing issues and help unlock their full potential.

"We will also do more to stand up for people who live in the private rented sector and help them get fair, secure and longer lasting tenancy.

"There are a high number of young professionals renting homes in Wandsworth and they should have opportunities to put down roots without having to buy the home they live in."  


Wandsworth’s new mayor is a Scottish international business man from Battersea.

Stuart Thom, a councillor for Fairfield ward, is a former chairman of the council’s housing committee and has been a councillor for eight years.

Coun Thom studied in Edinburgh, held senior positions for companies Booker plc and Lonrho Exports and subsequently joined the Foreign and Commenwealth Office as First Secretary at the British Embassy in Moscow. 

He went on to be Ernst and Young’s business development director in Russia, setting up their business in the region.

Using his experience Coun Thom hopes to promote investment in Wandsworth as well as supporting the borough’s Chamber of Commerce.

He has chosen Wandsworth disability charities to focus on throughout the year including Share, Back Up and HomeStart.

Coun Thom is also a Trustee of the Wandsworth Museum and a governor of South Thames College.


Coun Govindia’s new cabinet team has been reduced from nine to seven as part of the council’s cost-cutting measures.  

Jonathan Cook will continue as deputy leader and takes control of the community services portfolio.

Kathy Tracey continues as cabinet member for education and children services and Paul Ellis remains in charge of the housing portfolio.

James Maddan remains in post as cabinet member for adult care and health and Guy Senior retains responsibility for finance and corporate resources.  

Stephi Sutters has been promoted to chief whip with responsibility for communication.

Sarah McDermott will become the new chairman of the planning applications committee and Caroline Usher will chair the licensing committee while Peter Dawson will chair the general purpose committee.

The opposition group, Wandsworth Labour, re-elected Rex Osborn as leader and Leonie Cooper as deputy leader.