Lambeth council has undergone a political and structural revolution not without controversy.
The Green-run council has already suffered a setback, losing one of two by-elections after councillors in Clapham Park and Streatham St. Leonard’s stepped down.
Previously controlled by Labour for 20 years, Lambeth Council is now run by a minority administration led by Green leader Martin Abrams, a former Labour councillor.
Councillor Abrams quit the Labour Party last August over a “toxic culture of bullying” and was elected as new leader of the council on 1st June after the Greens emerged as the largest party at the 7th May local elections.
The Greens won 27 of 63 council seats, five fewer than required for a majority, beating Labour and the Liberal Democrats with 26 and 8 councillors respectively.
Abrams, who is Jewish, had previously been suspended by Lambeth Labour in February 2024 after he voted for a motion calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
Following his election, Abrams said: “I am deeply honoured to have been elected as the first ever Green Leader of Lambeth.”
He added: “Lambeth is one of the most diverse and dynamic communities in the world, with deep roots in the struggle for social, racial and environmental justice. We will be true to that heritage.
“Everyone in this borough deserves a decent, affordable home, a thriving environment, and a fulfilled and happy life. My administration will work every day to achieve that.”
The council has also agreed to adopt a “hybrid” cabinet committee model, which the Greens say will facilitate cross-party working, vital to ensuring their minority administration can get things done.
Lambeth Council’s full cabinet is as follows:
Leader of the Council
Martin Abrams
As council leader, Abrams was responsible for selecting the council cabinet and designating each member’s role.
He serves as Lambeth’s political figurehead, representing the borough at external events, setting the council’s strategic direction and determining key policy priorities.
Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency and Future Generations
Ciara Alleyne
Alleyne deputises for Abrams in his absence, chairing the cabinet when needed and representing the borough at events.
She will work to set Lambeth’s climate strategy, shape the borough’s environmental policy and develop its public transport in collaboration with Transport for London (TfL). She has pledged to lead Lambeth’s transition to net-zero and introduce carbon budgeting to minimise the council’s overall environmental impact.
Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Inclusion, Democracy and Culture
Natalie Kane
Alongside Alleyne, Kane deputises for Abrams and represents Lambeth.
She has promised to make the council more accessible and inclusive for everyone by opening the town hall to residents, reforming council meetings and prioritising community participation.
Kane is responsible for supporting residents to access digital services and cultivating arts and culture in the borough. She is also in charge of Lambeth’s parks and green spaces, libraries and leisure services.
Cabinet Member for Housing
Pete Elliott
In charge of housing across Lambeth, Elliott works to improve conditions in temporary accommodation, reduce homelessness and provide better quality homes for residents.
He plans to bring housing repairs in-house in a bid to improve service quality and create hundreds of job opportunities.
Cabinet Member for Planning and Development, Built Environment, Parks and Public Realm
Scott Ainslie
Ainslie will lead the development of a new ‘Local Plan’ which will prioritise the construction of new council-owned social housing.
He has pledged to ensure development benefits the community, providing public amenities and contributing to local projects.
He also plans to resolve disputes regarding festivals in Brockwell Park.
Cabinet Member for Finance and Community Wealth Building
Zvikomborero Chihoro
Chihoro is responsible for Lambeth’s finances and is tasked with ensuring financial stability while setting a long-term strategy for the council.
He plans to in-source council services wherever viable and beneficial, whilst improving transparency in the council’s budget-setting process.
Cabinet Member for Economy, Cost of Living and Empowered Communities
Michael Chessum
Chessum is responsible for community engagement with tenants, residents, workers and trade unions across Lambeth. He also oversees licensing, commercial property management, benefits and advice.
He continues Lambeth’s work as a Borough of Sanctuary, which celebrates and values refugees and migrants.
Cabinet Members for Health and Adult Social Care
Jeremy Isaacs
Sam Dorney-Smith
Sharing the role, Isaacs and Dorney-Smith are responsible for adult social care of older people, people with disabilities and those with mental health issues.
They will review all social care services to improve accessibility and work with the NHS to improve health outcomes and tackle health inequalities across Lambeth.
Cabinet Member for Children and Young People
Alice Weavers
Weavers is in charge of corporate parenting, child protection, children with disabilities and protecting children from sexual exploitation.
She will work with nurseries and primary schools to find solutions to falling pupil numbers and ensure every child in Lambeth receives a high-quality education.
Cabinet Member for Safer, Thriving Neighbourhoods
Jonathan Bartley
Responsible for neighbourhood safety, Bartley collaborates with the Metropolitan Police to ensure residents feel safe.
He has pledged to use public health-focused solutions to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour, hold the Met to account and support local businesses.
