The Greens have reversed a ban on discussing motions relating to Gaza at a London town hall as the party seized control of a sixth council in the capital.
Lambeth was one of seven town halls in the city where no party managed to win a majority at the local elections on May 7.
Martin Abrams was elected leader of Lambeth on Monday night as councillors agreed to enforce a hybrid cabinet model with cross-party committees providing scrutiny of decisions.
The Green Party said town hall officers will now draw up amendments to the borough’s constitution which, along with changing how the council is run, will reverse a ban introduced by the previous Labour administration on discussing motions relating to foreign policy issues such as Gaza.
Mr Abrams is a former Labour councillor who was suspended following his support for a Gaza ceasefire motion in 2024 and defected to the Greens last year.
He said: “I am deeply honoured to have been elected as the first ever Green Leader of Lambeth.
“This is a historic moment, and I would like to thank my council colleagues, everyone who campaigned for us, and every voter who put their faith in us.
“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.”
Councillor Zvikomborero Chihoro added: “Lambeth Greens are proud to have led the way in moving the Council to a more democratic and effective model of governance.
“Under Labour, one party dominated every aspect of the Council, with weak scrutiny functions leading to poor decisions which harmed residents and wasted resources.
“The Cabinet Committee model is tried and tested, and we will welcome the enhanced opportunities for scrutiny and cooperation that it will bring.”
Labour suffered a series of crushing defeats in the local elections on May 7, losing control of 11 London town halls.
In the last two weeks a series of coalitions have been formed in Brent, Enfield, Barnet, Wandsworth, Haringey, Southwark and now Lambeth.
Southwark and Haringey have also agreed Green-led minority administrations, while the party won control of Waltham Forest, Hackney and Lewisham.
The Tories will run minority administrations in Wandsworth and Enfield, while Labour leaders were elected in Brent and Barnet.
