Wandsworth by-election to decide council control on August 27

Voters in Wandsworth's Trinity ward will head to the polls on August 27 for a by-election that could decide the balance of power on Wandsworth Council. The contest is a five-way race for the seat vacated by former Labour councillor Lizzy Dobres.

The Conservative party currently leads a minority administration on the council. Winning the Trinity ward seat would provide them with the 30 councillors needed for an outright majority, ending their reliance on a confidence and supply arrangement with an independent councillor. In the local elections on May 7, Labour lost overall control of the South London borough for the first time in 44 years. The Conservatives secured 29 seats, one short of a majority, while Labour won 28 seats.

Candidates and Priorities

The candidates standing are Shirin Chiara Georgiani for Labour, Dylan Connor Peter Henderson for the Liberal Democrats, Otto Jacobsson for the Conservatives, Sylvain Magne for the Green Party, and Josh Stanton for Reform UK. Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on August 27.

Conservative candidate Otto Jacobsson stated his commitment to addressing residents' daily concerns, including cleaner streets and parks, reducing crime, and enhancing safety for women and girls. He highlighted visible improvements in street cleanliness since the Conservatives took control of the council in May. Jacobsson expressed a desire to maintain Trinity ward as a desirable place for families and to resolve local issues promptly.

Liberal Democrat candidate Dylan Henderson said he would prioritise transparency and hold the Conservatives accountable for potential council tax rises and austerity measures. He aims to ensure a diversity of voices on the council, champion younger people and families, protect green spaces, and advocate for increased police presence and CCTV coverage.

Green candidate Sylvain Magne's priorities include safeguarding local services against proposed austerity, opposing the cancellation of council housing schemes, and campaigning for safer, cleaner streets. He also aims to secure funding for green spaces, promote affordable housing, and support residents facing cost-of-living pressures. Magne stated that electing a Green councillor would provide crucial scrutiny of council policies.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service contacted the Labour and Reform UK candidates, or their parties, to discuss their priorities but did not receive a response.

Background to the Vacancy

The Trinity ward is currently represented by two councillors. In the May local elections, former Labour councillor Jack Mayorcas lost his seat to Conservative councillor Kirsten Botting by 64 votes. Ms Dobres retained her seat by 195 votes before resigning in July due to taking up a politically restricted new job.