New Mayor for Wandsworth

Cllr Jeremy Ambache has been elected as the new Mayor of Wandsworth.

Cllr Ambache takes over from Cllr Sana Jafri, a Tooting-born immigration lawyer and mum-of-two who was the borough’s first Pakistani Muslim mayor.

Cllr Jafri championed several local charities, including Home Start Wandsworth, Rackets Cubed, and Tooting Community Kitchen, focusing on family support, youth development and combating food insecurity. She also revitalised the Wandsworth Civic Awards, introducing new categories to celebrate community champions, environmental heroes, and cultural contributors.

Cllr Ambache has a long and distinguished career in social care, having worked as a social worker, manager and director for both children's and adult services across multiple local authorities. He has also provided expert advice to central government on health, social care, and tackling the abuse of vulnerable adults.

“I am honoured to once again serve Wandsworth as Mayor for the coming year,” he said.

“Along with the Deputy Mayor, we will work closely with colleagues and community groups to bring Wandsworth together, especially in this special year as London Borough of Culture.”

The Deputy Mayor was also announced as Cllr Rosemary Birchall, who has lived in Wandsworth for over 30 years. Her professional background is in early years education with special interest in SEND.

A total of eight young people from across the borough stood for election as this year's Youth Mayor, with a week-long vote taking place at youth clubs in early May.

Kwasi Agyekum-Koranchie, 15, was elected as Youth Mayor, while Sophia Dyson, 16, was elected as Deputy Youth Mayor.

"As someone who has been attending school in Wandsworth for a number of years, I have been witness to the undeniable and incredible potential young people have to make a real difference and to catalyse change," said Kwasi.

Deputy Youth Mayor Sophia added: "By working together - through creativity, persistence, and strong youth representationwe can and will push for meaningful change."