The annual meeting of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council saw the election of Councillor Beverley Palmer as the new Mayor and Councillor Astra Birch as the new Deputy Mayor. The council also re-elected Councillor Ben Chapelard as Leader of the Council for a further term and approved the allocation of seats to political groups and appointments to various committees and working groups.

Election of Mayor and Deputy Mayor

Councillor Beverley Palmer was elected as the new Mayor of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council for the municipal year 2026-27. Councillor Palmer, who has represented Hawkhurst and Sandhurst since 2002, was nominated by Councillor David Osborne and seconded by Councillor Tom Dawlings. Several councillors spoke in support of her nomination, highlighting her long service, dedication, and experience.

Following a vote, Councillor Astra Birch was elected as the Deputy Mayor. She was nominated by Councillor Jayne Sharratt and seconded by Councillor Hugh Patterson. Councillor Ellen Neville and Councillor Hugo Pound were also nominated for the role. Councillor Sharratt and Councillor Matthew Sankey spoke in support of Councillor Neville, praising her community leadership and resilience. Councillor Tom Dawlings and Councillor Dianne Hill spoke in favour of Councillor Pound, highlighting his experience in planning and commitment to social housing. Councillor Christopher Chapelard and Councillor Hugh Patterson spoke in support of Councillor Birch, emphasizing her fresh perspective and commitment to housing and communities.

Election of Leader of the Council

Councillor Ben Chapelard was re-elected as the Leader of the Council for the period ending on the date of the annual meeting in 2030. Councillor Justine Rutland proposed the nomination, highlighting Councillor Chapelard's consistent leadership, stability, and strategic vision, particularly in guiding the council through complex challenges and the upcoming local government reorganisation. Councillor Christopher Hall seconded the motion.

Councillor Hugh Pound, speaking on behalf of the opposition, raised concerns about a perceived them and us climate between the administration and the opposition, the politicisation of the mayoral election, and the need for greater accountability from Cabinet Member Mark Ellis. He also suggested that the council's leadership should better recognise the contributions of opposition members and address the lie that local Lib Dems are not the council. Despite these concerns, Councillor Chapelard was re-elected with 26 votes in favour, 6 against, and 5 abstentions.

In his acceptance speech, Councillor Chapelard acknowledged the upcoming local government reorganisation, stating it was the biggest challenge in over half a century. He expressed his commitment to ensuring the new unitary authority is set up for success and reassured residents that this transition would not diminish the council's commitment to delivering services and improvements. He outlined key priorities, including investment in leisure centres, progress on the Langton Green to Tunbridge Wells cycle route, reducing carbon emissions through solar panel installations at Royal Victoria Place, and redeveloping Royal Victoria Place to create a town centre residents can be proud of.

Appointments to Committees and Cabinet Portfolios

The council approved the allocation of seats to political groups and the appointments to committees, working groups, and cabinet portfolios for the municipal year 2026-27. Councillor Ben Chapelard announced his cabinet, with Councillor Justine Rutland as Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Development. Other cabinet members include Councillor Mark Ellis (Innovation and Transformation), Councillor Christopher Hall (Finance and Property), Councillor Corinna Keefe (Housing and Communities), Councillor Matt Lowe (Planning), Councillor Pamela Wilkinson (Sport, Leisure and Health), and Councillor Rob Wormington (Environment and Sustainability).

During the debate on committee appointments, Councillor Hugh Pound proposed adding Councillor Jane Sharratt to the Public Transport Forum, and Councillor Tom Dawlings proposed adding Councillor Lynne Darrah to the same forum. Councillor Rob Wormington, Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainability, supported both nominations. The proposed amendments were agreed upon by the council.

Other Business

The council noted the return of persons elected to the Borough Council following the elections on 7 May 2026. The common seal of the council was authorised to be affixed to various documents. The date of the next meeting was confirmed as Wednesday, 15 July 2026.

The meeting also included a moment of silence to remember Matthew Warne, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council's Mayor's Consort for 2024-2025, who had recently passed away. Councillor Ben Chapelard delivered a heartfelt tribute to Mr. Warne, acknowledging his support for his wife, Nancy Warne, during her mayoral year, and his commitment to the local area.