After forming a coalition in the weeks after the 7 May local elections, the Greens and Lib Dems have established control of Southwark Council for the next four years.
The council’s executive was formalised at the Annual Council Assembly, with Green councillor James McAsh becoming leader of the council and Leader of the Southwark Liberal Democrats Victor Chamberlain taking on the role of deputy.
James McAsh said: “Following that vote, I believe I am the first person in Southwark history to have been, within the space of 12 months, elected leader of this council by all three political parties.”
Former Labour councillor McAsh, who defected to the Greens in February, won last night’s leadership contest with 31 votes, defeating former Labour council leader Sarah King by three votes.
Reflecting their higher seat number (22 to the Lib Dems’ 12), Green councillors will occupy 10 of the 15 executive roles on the council.
They will take charge of Southwark’s council homes, finances and education, whilst the Lib Dems will manage community safety and jobs.
McAsh said the joint council’s key priorities will be to tackle the housing crisis, take action on climate and make Southwark safer and more affordable.
He added: “I cannot promise that everything will be easy. I can’t even promise that we’ll always get everything right.
“But I can promise that this joint administration will govern with integrity and dignity, be accountable to the residents of this borough, and that we remain united to serve.”
He said the funding gap inherited from the Labour government, housing failures across the borough and the climate crisis would make his leadership a challenging one.
Southwark Council’s new deputy leader Victor Chamberlain added: “We’re thrilled to be working together to put Southwark’s residents first and bring change for the people of the borough.”
Green councillor Claire Sheppard has also become Mayor of Southwark, occupying a non-political, ceremonial role as “First Citizen” of the borough.
Southwark Council’s full cabinet is as follows:
Leader of the Council
James McAsh (Goose Green)
As council leader, McAsh was responsible for selecting the cabinet and designating each member’s role. He represents the borough at external events, setting the council’s strategic direction and key policy priorities.
Deputy Leader of the Council
Victor Chamberlain (Borough & Bankside)
Leader of the Opposition prior to the local elections, Victor Chamberlain deputises for James McAsh in his absence, represents the borough at events and chairs the cabinet when necessary.
He has also been named Executive Member for Neighbourhoods, Strategic Planning and Wellbeing, playing an important role in planning and development across the borough.
Executive Member for Council Homes
Reginald Popoola (Rye Lane)
Responsible for Southwark’s more than 50 thousand tenanted and leasehold council homes, Popoola oversees housing maintenance, repairs and fire safety within those homes. He also offers advice to council tenants.
Executive Member for Community Safety and Engagement
David Watson (Borough & Bankside)
Watson is in charge of community safety, aiming to reduce crime, anti-social behaviour and violence within the borough.
Executive Member for Finance and General Purposes
Sam Foster (North Walworth)
As head of finance, Sam Foster oversees the council’s budget, pension fund and income collection, including council tax, business rates and council housing rents. He will have to deal with a financial ‘black hole’ of more than £100 million during his time in charge.
Executive Member for Jobs, Equalities and Citizenship
Rachel Bentley (North Bermondsey)
In charge of jobs in the borough, Bentley is chiefly responsible for increasing employment by supporting people into work, especially young people.
She is also be responsible for ensuring the council keeps its commitments to gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights, whilst also providing citizen services.
She stood against MP Neil Coyle in the last general election but failed to regain North Southwark and Bermondsey, which was once the Lib Dem stronghold seat of Sir Simon Hughes.
Executive Member for Public Works and New Homes
Alexandra Austin (Old Kent Road)
As head of public works, Austin is in charge of large infrastructure projects in Southwark and the maintenance of essential services.
She is also responsible for the construction of thousands of new council homes, overseeing development on the Old Kent Road and potentially a new tram in the area under the Lib Dems’ proposals.
Executive Member for Climate and Council Coordination
Eloise Waldon-Day (Goose Green)
Reflecting the Green Party’s climate priority, Waldon-Day is responsible for air quality, transport and parking in the borough.
She is in charge of reducing carbon emissions across the local economy and preparing Southwark residents and businesses for heatwaves and extreme weather events.
Executive Member for Parks and Leisure
Vanessa Threadgold (North Walworth)
As executive member for parks and leisure, maintaining Southwark’s green spaces, libraries, and cultural hubs is Vanessa Threadgold’s main remit.
She oversees the management of parks, cemeteries, community gardens, and playgrounds, including those on council estates.
Executive Member for Education and Care
Rebecca Corn (North Walworth)
Rebecca Corn is chiefly responsible for local authority schools, holding them to high standards, promoting inclusion and managing the special educational needs [SEND] provision in the borough.
As head of care, she has taken charge of both child and adult social care, supporting people with illnesses and disabilities as well as their carers.
Deputy Executive Members:
Deputy Executive Member for Tenant and Leaseholder Services
George Grime (Goose Green)
Deputy Executive Member for Culture
Janice White (Dulwich Hill)
Deputy Executive Member for Adult Services
Suzanne Wise (Chaucer)
Deputy Executive Member for Community Council Delivery
Francesco Guerrieri (North Bermondsey)
Deputy Executive Member for Voluntary, Community and Faith Sector
Lina Usma (St George’s)
