The Liberal Democrats are in total control of Richmond upon Thames council after they returned 54 of a possible 54 councillors at the 7 May local elections.
The Lib Dems, who previously held 49 seats on the council, have been in charge of the borough since 2018 when they dislodged the Conservatives.
In their manifesto prior to the elections, the Lib Dems pledged to “protect what matters most – by transforming how the council works, focusing on early help and prevention, and using every pound wisely to reinvest in a fairer, greener and more resilient Richmond”.
The party promised to protect vital services from Government cuts, lead on climate action, invest in early help for children and adults, tackle the cost of living and deliver thriving town centres and cultural life.
They were able to secure support from a majority of the borough’s voters (51.5%) and will face no opposition on the council for the next four years at least.
Richmond upon Thames Council’s full cabinet is as follows:
Council Leader and Chair of Finance, Policy and Resources Committee
Gareth Roberts
As leader of the council, Roberts represents Richmond upon Thames at external events and sets the borough’s strategic direction and key policy priorities. He was also responsible for selecting the cabinet and designating each member’s role.
Roberts is Chair of the Finance, Policy and Resources Committee, which is responsible for managing the council’s finances, spending and significant council-wide projects.
Co-Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Finance and Resources
Jim Millard
Millard deputises for Roberts in his absence, representing Richmond at events and chairing the cabinet when necessary.
As Lead Member for Finance and Resources, Millard is in charge of setting the council’s budget, monitoring spending and ensuring revenues are collected.
Co-Deputy Leader and Chair of Transport and Air Quality Committee
Alexander Ehmann
Alongside Millard, Cllr Ehmann will also deputise for Council Leader Roberts. Chair of the Transport and Air Quality Committee, Ehmann has been tasked with setting high standards for air quality across the borough, while also maintaining highways and public transport services
Lead Member for Business and Growth
Phil Giesler
Giesler oversees local economic development in the borough, providing support to businesses and seeking to stimulate growth. He also works with local businesses via the Richmond Business Hub, a selection of programmes, information and advice available to the borough’s enterprises.
Lead Member for Richmond Town Centre Project
Katie Mansfield
Mansfield is responsible for the Richmond Town Centre Project, a £1.5 million plan to redevelop the town centre with a new public square, enhanced landscape and free play area.
Lead Member for Arts and Culture
John Coombs
As Lead Member for Arts and Culture, Coombs oversees Richmond’s local arts strategy, cultural programming and community engagement.
Chair of Adult Social Services, Health and Housing Committee
Piers Allen
As commitee chair, Allen has final say on decisions relating to the council’s health provision, adult services, social care and housing.
Chair of Education and Children’s Services Committee
Julia Cambridge
Cambridge chairs the committee responsible for children’s services, including education, children’s social care and youth health.
Chair of Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sport Committee
Julia Neden-Watts
As committee chair, Neden-Watts has final say on decisions relating to Richmond’s physical environment, particularly planning policy, parks and sports services.
She also oversees areas such as waste and recycling, as well as arts and culture alongside Cllr Coombs.
Chair of Planning Committee
Jonathan Cardy
Cardy oversees the council’s planning committee, which makes decisions on significant planning applications, while enforcing planning regulations and ruling on tree preservation orders.
Chair of Regulatory Committee
Lesley Pollesche
As Chair of the Regulatory Committee, Pollesche oversees the council’s licensing and registration system, as well as its enforcement of health and safety, regulation of highways and co-ordination of elections.
Chair of Policy and Performance Review Board
Richard Warren
Warren oversees the Policy and Performance Review Board, which reviews Richmond Council’s five committees, monitoring their performance and developing policy to improve service provision.
