Meet Wandsworth's new mayor

Wandsworth has welcomed its new mayor, Cllr Jeremy Ambache.

Cllr Ambache has chosen to support charities helping children with special needs and bereaved people during his mayoral year.

He previously worked in children's and adult's social care as a social worker, as a manager and director for several local authorities and has advised central Government on policies around health, social care and tackling abuse of vulnerable adults. 

Cllr Ambache said: "'I am honoured to be mayor for the coming year and to work with the deputy mayor Sarmila Varatharaj. Both the organisations I have chosen to support do an excellent job in their field and are much needed as we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic. 

"Sarmila and I will engage with voluntary and community groups across the borough. We will reach out to all communities to recognise and encourage their rich and diverse contributions to the vibrant life of Wandsworth." 

Cllr is a trustee of Age UK Wandsworth, a board member of the Wandsworth Clinical Commissioning Group and has promoted patient and public engagement within the NHS.

He has two daughters and six grandchildren and enjoys walking, cycling, swimming and tennis.

The new deputy mayor is Cllr Sarmila Varatharaj, who represents the new Wandle ward. She was born and raised in the borough and is a human rights activist. She volunteers for Global Human Rights Defence and has been the spokesperson to the United Nations Human Rights Council since the age of 21.