The Mayor of Wandsworth

The Mayor of Wandsworth for 2026/27 is Councillor Emmeline Owens.

The role of the Mayor

The role of Mayor of Wandsworth is non-political, acting as the civic lead for the borough leading on matters such as chairing of Council meetings, conducting citizenship ceremonies, and meeting foreign dignitaries and royalty. In addition, the Mayor undertakes and supports a wide variety of charitable and fundraising events and the community life in the borough.

Sometimes the Mayor’s Office is sent requests for assistance with operational front-line matters. We regret that we are unable to assist directly with these requests.

Find out how to contact the Council about front-line services and complaints.

The Mayor

Councillor Emmeline Owens has lived in Wandsworth for over twenty years, raising her family in the borough and playing an active role in its political, civic, school and community life.

As well as being a councillor, Emmeline has had a career in the business and finance sector, working in strategy and international affairs. She holds a Master’s degree in Economics from Trinity College Dublin, and has written independent reports on the UK as a place to do business. She has a strong interest in enterprise, opportunity and public service.

Emmeline has been closely involved in education in Wandsworth, including serving for more than a decade as chair of governors at one of the borough’s 'Outstanding' state schools. She is particularly proud that her own children are educated in Wandsworth’s excellent state primary and secondary schools, and has seen first-hand the contribution made by parents, teachers, governors, coaches and volunteers to the lives of young people across the borough.

Emmeline was elected to the Council for Northcote ward in 2022 and, in 2026, was elected to represent Southfields ward. As a councillor, she has been a strong voice for residents and has taken a particular interest in children and young people, families, education, community life and the voluntary effort that helps make Wandsworth such a special place to live.

As mayor, Emmeline will focus on celebrating the quiet service that sustains communities across Wandsworth, especially the work of those who give their time to support children and young people. Her chosen charities for the year are Wandsworth HomeStart, Sound Minds and Battersea Crime Prevention Panel.

Emmeline takes over the role from the previous Mayor, Councillor Jeremy Ambache.

Emmeline is married to David and has two sons. Outside public life, she supports her children’s sporting and musical interests and the many school and community activities that make Wandsworth such a lively and generous borough.

Follow the Mayor of Wandsworth on X at @WandsworthMayor.

The Deputy Mayor

Councillor Kirsten Botting was appointed Deputy Mayor of Wandsworth for 2026/27. Kirsten is a newly elected councillor for Trinity ward in Tooting.  She has been a proud resident of the borough for more than 35 years and has lived in Tooting Bec for the past 32 years with her husband and son. She moved to Wandsworth in her twenties at the beginning of her career in the city and quickly developed a strong connection to the borough’s community spirit, green spaces and quality of life. Having experienced life in Wandsworth as a long-term resident, Kirsten brings a practical understanding of the issues that matter most to residents.

Kirsten has a long-standing record of public service and community leadership. She is chair of her ward’s Safer Neighbourhoods Team and Neighbourhood Watch Panel, working closely with residents, police and local partners to support safer and stronger communities. She has also been an active member of the Tooting Commons Management Advisory Committee and has played a hands-on role in protecting and enhancing local green spaces through her work as a tree warden and volunteer with Friends of Tooting and Wandsworth Commons.

Alongside her civic responsibilities, Kirsten is a committed volunteer who regularly supports food bank collections, community clean-up initiatives and local charitable events. She has helped raise funds and awareness for a range of organisations and causes, including Small Steps, the Royal British Legion, Labrador Rescue, Baton of Hope, and local school and community charities.

As Deputy Mayor, Kirsten is passionate about celebrating the people, organisations and volunteers who make Wandsworth such a vibrant and welcoming borough. She is committed to supporting community cohesion, encouraging civic pride and championing the borough’s charities, young people and local initiatives.

When Kirsten has some free time, she is a keen gardener, upholsterer and often can be found entertaining friends and family at the drop of a hat.

Kirsten looks forward to meeting residents and supporting community events across the borough in her role supporting the Mayor of Wandsworth, Councillor Emmeline Owens.

Charities

The charities that Councillor Emmeline Owens has chosen to support in 2026/27 are Home-Start Wandsworth, Sound Minds and Battersea Crime Prevention Panel.

Home-Start Wandsworth

Home-Start Wandsworth supports families with young children who are facing challenging circumstances.

They provide early help through trained volunteers and tailored support to prevent problems escalating and help families build confidence and resilience.

Sound Minds

Sound Minds is a mental health charity based in Wandsworth. 

They support people with lived experience of mental health problems through creative activities such as music, film and art.

Battersea Crime Prevention Panel

Battersea Crime Prevention Panel works to make Battersea and Balham safer.

Their main project, the Battersea Summer Scheme, organises trips, outings and events for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Charity events

The Mayor holds a number of events to raise funds for their chosen charities.

Make a donation

You can make a donation to the Mayor's charities online.

Make a donation

Or send cheques made payable to the 'Mayor of Wandsworth's Charity' to:

Mayor's Parlour
Room 144
Town Hall
Wandsworth High Street
London
SW18 2PU

Roll of Honour

Every year the Mayor recognises local people who have volunteered their time to help others via the Roll of Honour award and presents them with a special Wandsworth Mayoral pin. 

Invite the Mayor to an event

If you would like the Mayor or the Deputy Mayor to attend your event, you will need to submit a request at least 14 days before the date of the function.

Request a Mayoral visit

Keep up to date

Subscribe to the mayoral events mailing list to find out what the Mayor is doing.

Contact

To write to the Mayor please contact the Mayor’s Office: