Submitted by daniel on Fri, 29/05/2026 - 07:00 Picture Image Description Liberal Democrat Cllr Judy Best was unanimously elected Deputy Mayor at Wednesday night’s Annual Meeting, marking the first time in 20 years that the mayoralty will rotate between political groups – a sign of the new power-sharing era at Lambeth Town Hall. Best, who represents Streatham Wells, returns to the role after a 12-year absence from the council. Colleague Cllr Kita Ogden described her as being “at the heart of the Streatham and Lambeth community for getting on 30 years.” Best said tackling youth knife crime would be among her top priorities and will become Mayor next year. Proposing Best, Ogden said: “We are excited for Judy and excited for the communities and good causes around the borough to whom we know she will reach out with her trademark enthusiasm and instinctive empathy.” – Cllr Kita Ogden, Streatham Hill West & Thornton The appointment reflects the new political landscape at Lambeth, where no party holds an overall majority and the Greens and Lib Dems have agreed to work together. The same session saw Green councillor Paul Valentine elected Mayor at the first Full Council Meeting following the election – formally known as the Annual Meeting, where the new Mayor and Deputy Mayor are appointed and council committees are normally established. However after the Mayoral appointment, the council voted to adjourn until an Extraordinary Meeting on 1st June, where they will decide on replacing the cabinet system with a committee structure – a move the two parties are racing to complete before the government’s English Devolution Bill removes the option. The new Labour minority attempted to delay proceedings with jeers, whooping and claims they hadn’t seen the motion, with former leader Claire Holland shouting from the opposition seats. However, after adjourning to read the motion as they claimed, they returned to the chamber and agreed to the adjournment to 1st June was carried. More Info Lambeth Lib Dems Lambeth Green Party Join the local discussion Web Link Lib Dems celebrate Streatham Wells Cllr Judy Best as Deputy Mayor - Brixton Buzz Brixton Buzz