The Council meeting on Tuesday 19 May 2026 saw the election of Councillor Nancy Baldwin as the new Mayor of Richmond upon Thames, and the appointment of Councillor Gareth Roberts as Leader of the Council, alongside Councillors Alex Ehmann and Jim Millard as joint Deputy Leaders. The meeting also approved the programme of meetings for the upcoming municipal year and confirmed various committee appointments and the members' allowances scheme.

Election of Mayor and Deputy Mayor

Councillor Nancy Baldwin was elected as the new Mayor of Richmond upon Thames for the 2026-2027 Municipal Year. Councillor Baldwin, who is also Vice-chair of the Finance, Policy and Resources Committee, expressed her honour at being elected for a second term, noting the unusual circumstances of her previous term being cut short by the pandemic. Councillor Matthew Wherry was appointed as the new Deputy Mayor. Reverend Geoffrey Hopkins-Williams was announced as the Mayor's Chaplain for the year.

The outgoing Mayor, Councillor Penelope Frost, delivered her final address, reflecting on her amazing year and thanking her deputy, Councillor Clare Vollum, and her consort, her daughter Rebecca. Councillor Frost highlighted the extensive number of events attended and the success of fundraising efforts for her chosen charities. A vote of thanks to the retiring Mayor and Mayoress was moved by Councillor Gareth Roberts and seconded by Councillor John Coombs, who praised Councillor Frost's musicality and the support of her family.

Leadership Appointments

Councillor Gareth Roberts was elected as the Leader of the Council. He addressed the historic nature of the current council composition, with one party holding all 54 seats, and sought to allay concerns about a one-party state. Councillor Roberts announced plans to introduce constitutional amendments to allow for party political questions at future meetings and to explore the appointment of an external chair for the Audit and Standards Committee. He also mentioned plans to mark the 100th birthday of Sir David Attenborough.

Councillor Alex Ehmann and Councillor Jim Millard were elected as joint Deputy Leaders of the Council.

Committee Appointments and Governance

The Council approved the appointments to various committees for the 2026/27 Municipal Year, with the Liberal Democrats allocated 100% of the seats due to their majority. The programme of Council meetings for the upcoming year was also approved.

The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) membership was confirmed, reflecting the diverse religious and belief traditions within the borough, as indicated by the 2021 census data.

The Members' Allowances Scheme for 2026/27 was approved, with basic and special responsibility allowances to be increased in line with national local government pay negotiations and backdated to 1 April 2026. The scheme includes provisions for Dependent Carer's Allowance, travel and subsistence, and payments to non-Council members.

Other Announcements

Councillor Roberts made an announcement regarding the Council's approach to governance in light of its single-party majority, outlining plans for greater transparency and inclusivity in future meetings. He also mentioned plans to celebrate the 100th birthday of Sir David Attenborough.

The meeting concluded with the approval of the Revenue Budget and Council Tax for 2026/27. The Council Tax for Band D properties was set at £2,486.10, representing an overall increase of 4.81% on the previous year, incorporating a 2.99% increase for the Council, a 2% social care precept, and a 4.1% increase from the Greater London Authority. The report detailed the Council's significant reduction in grant funding from central government, described as the worst percentage reduction in London.

The meeting also approved the Capital Programme and Funding Review for 2026/27, the Treasury Management Policy and Strategy for 2025/26, and the Schools Budget for 2026-27. The Annual Pay Policy Statement for 2026/27 was also approved.

During the public questions session, concerns were raised regarding the provision of Changing Places toilets, the Council's approach to plant-based diets, the enforcement of traffic restrictions, the cost of a group exercise studio, and the delivery of affordable homes. Questions were also raised about disabled parking provision, the assessment of biodiversity net gain for allotments, and the closure of Shacklegate Lane allotments. The Council's financial settlement from the government was also discussed, with concerns raised about its impact on local services.