The Annual Council meeting saw the election and installation of Councillor Tai Tylen as the new Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames for the 2026-2027 municipal year. The meeting also addressed the review of proportionality on council bodies, ensuring fairer representation for opposition groups.

Election and Installation of Mayor

Councillor Tai Tylen was elected and installed as the new Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames for the 2026-2027 municipal year. Councillor Tylen, who arrived in the UK from Sri Lanka in 1970, has a long history of community service in Kingston upon Thames, co-founding organisations such as the Surrey Seamers Cricket Club and the ITC Kingston Tamil School. He has also played a significant role in the Kingston Race and Equalities Council and helped establish Global Arts Kingston. Councillor Tylen was nominated by Councillor Andrew Wooldridge and seconded by Councillor Lorraine Dunstan. Councillor Jane Lim was appointed as Deputy Mayor, with Councillor Tylen's wife, Lata, serving as Mayoress and their daughter, Dr. Mira Tylen, as an additional Mayoress. Mr. Yong Lee, husband of Councillor Jane Lim, was appointed as Mayor's Escort.

Review of Proportionality

The council reviewed the proportionality of political parties represented on council bodies, agreeing to a revised arrangement for the three strategic committees. This revision ensures that each of the two opposition groups will have one seat allocated to them on these key policy-setting committees. Councillor James Giles, Leader of the Opposition, proposed the change, highlighting that while the Liberal Democrats received 45% of the votes in the recent election, they secured 92% of the seats. He argued that the proposed change would ensure representation for Conservative and Independent voters and improve scrutiny by bringing different perspectives to decision-making. Councillor Rowena Bass, Leader of the Minority Opposition Group, seconded the proposal, noting that it would make debates more effective and less intimidating for smaller groups. Councillor Andreas Kirsch, Leader of the Council, confirmed the administration's support for ensuring representation for both opposition parties on the strategic committees. The motion was carried unanimously.

Appointments to Committees and Bodies

The council made a series of appointments to various committees, panels, and other bodies for the 2026/27 municipal year. This included appointments to the Kingston Partnership Board, the Health Overview Panel, London Councils committees, and the Local Government Association. Non-elected members were also appointed to relevant committees and panels. Councillor Giles noted an administrative oversight regarding his nomination to the Health Overview Panel, which would remain vacant. All appointments were agreed unanimously.

Vote of Thanks to Retiring Mayor and Deputy Mayor

A vote of thanks was approved for the retiring Mayor, Councillor Noel Hadjimichael, and the retiring Deputy Mayor, Councillor Sue Ansari, for their service during the past municipal year. Councillor Griseldis Kirsch proposed the vote of thanks, highlighting Councillor Hadjimichael's dedication, humanity, and kindness during his term, particularly his focus on community resilience and his coffee and conversations initiative. Councillor James Giles, speaking from the independent group, echoed these sentiments, praising Councillor Hadjimichael's outstanding service and his ability to transcend party politics. Councillor Rowena Bass also thanked Councillor Hadjimichael and his wife, Carol, for their excellent team effort. Councillor Hadjimichael, in his response, expressed gratitude for the experience and acknowledged the support of his family, colleagues, and council staff. He emphasised that the role of Mayor is one of service and that the year had been a life-changing experience.

Licensing Committee Meeting

Following the main council meeting, a brief meeting of the Licensing Committee was held to establish its sub-committees for the new municipal year. Apologies were received from Councillor Jane Lim, who was fulfilling her duties as Deputy Mayor. The minutes of the previous Licensing Committee meeting were agreed, and the usual arrangements for the formation and sharing of licensing sub-committees were continued. Volunteers were sought for an upcoming licensing sub-committee meeting, with a reminder that all attendees must have undertaken the necessary licensing training.