Forum Topic

Malcolm Grimston kingmaker

With it 29 to 28 in favour of the Tories Malcolm Grimston is the independent who now holds the keys of the town hall. As a former Tory Housing chairman it would be easy to assume he'll fall back to support his old group. But that shouldn't be taken for granted. He will, no doubt, hold some feet to the fire and will, i suspect , protect his independence fiercely . A veryintellegent and principled guy it will be very interesting to see how this plays out.

Andy Pike ● 6d18 Comments

A true Independent

Andy Pike ● 1d

There doesn't appear to be any actual deal between Malcolm and the Conservatives. He has laid out his position in his newsletter as reported on the front page. It is more like a 'Confidence and Supply' arrangement which is an informal agreement. He still could theoretically vote with Labour if he disagreed with the council on any issue.

Peter Higgins ● 1d

Not unexpected but great news to have it confirmed!

Sue Hammond ● 3d

That is very good news!

Ivonne Holliday ● 3d

ITV news just reported that he has done a deal with the Conservatives.

Lucille Grant ● 3d

Interesting that his own ward was hung ...RESULT DECLARED: West Hill
Elected:
GHOSSAIN Daniel (Local Conservatives) – 1,314
GRIMSTON Malcolm Charles (Independent) – 4,081
IRELAND Angela Mary (Labour) – 1,679Turnout: 51.90%
Full results: https://orlo.uk/KHczK#WandsworthElections #LocalElections2026

Michael Ixer ● 5d

Thanks, Sue; interesting. 

Michael Ixer ● 5d

There is an excellent article about Malcolm Grimston on Putney News and well worth reading:https://putney.news/2026/05/09/the-man-wandsworth-cant-ignore-any-more/

Sue Hammond ● 5d

Mr Pike'He will, no doubt, hold some feet to the fire and will, i suspect , protect his independence fiercely . A very intelligent and principled guy it will be very interesting to see how this plays out. 'Yes it is good to have a Councillor who in my experience puts much effort into addressing his constituents' real concerns.By this I mean the usual quotidian and apolitical ones - rubbish collection, traffic nuisance, potholes (sic) etc.And I hope makes no reference to 'Israeli genocide in Gaza'.

John Hawkes ● 6d

Perhaps hung councils (or governments) are a "least worst" outcome for everyone as they attenuate the worst dogmas?

Michael Ixer ● 6d

Always interesting to look at the actual voting. So many seats won/lost by small margins. When people say its not worth voting 30 or so votes can make a real difference. Malcolm Grimstons share of the vote is exceptional.

Andy Pike ● 6d

Wandsworth local election results 2026 in fullSource: Manchester Evening Newshttps://share.google/Fj0vUxMPLDtpGnWt0Goodness knows why this was reported in Manchester🤷🏻‍♀️however it’s a very comprehensive and detailed breakdown.of the voting.Happy to see Thamesfield voted correctly!👍

Sue Hammond ● 6d

Thanks for reminding me of this Jonathan. I blamed him for the ultimate closure of the museum (its home is still standing on West Hill with nothing to show for it.) As for no interest in Putney's traffic problems (does he  never travel down Putney Hill or shop in the High Street?) perhaps someone who voted for him in West Hill can enlighten us as to how he has enhanced their (if not our) lives!

Lucille Grant ● 6d

I still remember Malcolm Grimston as the man who forced through the closure of the original Wandsworth Museum.  He was still a Tory then but I've never quite forgiven him.He has shown no known interest in Putney's traffic problems so maybe he will now have to get up to speed ... unlike the traffic of course!

Jonathan Callaway ● 6d

Good news indeed.  Interesting times ahead!

Sue Hammond ● 6d

As someone who lives in Malcolm's ward we have always been really impressed with him and his dedication to his role. Never in doubt who we were voting for and was the only vote we made (ignored the fact we could have voted for 2 more).

Gabrielle OMahony ● 6d

This should make for an interesting four years although I don't think it's a healthy result to have a council with no overall majority. Good to see no Reform or Green would-be councillors winning here.

Lucille Grant ● 6d

I personally am very pleased Malcolm now holds the balance of power.  I look forward to some common sense decisions even more so on PHS traffic chaos.  All good news.

Robert Wheeler ● 6d