Councillors reaffirm commitment to all residents, as committee chairs and leadership confirmed

Richmond Council’s leadership team, committee chairs and key appointments have been confirmed for the 2026/27 municipal year following the Council’s Annual Meeting at York House, Twickenham.

Councillors last night formally approved appointments to the Council’s principal committees and decision-making bodies, alongside lead member and champion responsibilities that will help drive forward the Council’s priorities and deliver for all residents over the coming year.

Councillor Gareth Roberts will continue as Leader of Richmond Council, supported by Deputy Leaders Councillor Jim Millard and Councillor Alexander Ehmann.

Councillor Roberts said: “Richmond upon Thames remains one of the best places in the country to live, work and raise a family – and we are determined to keep it that way.

“Residents rightly expect a Council that protects local services, manages public money responsibly and stands up for our communities. That remains our focus. Across our committees, as in everything we do, we will continue to listen and welcome challenge and different voices – because strong local government depends on openness, scrutiny and honest debate. We are, and will continue to be, a council for all.

“While councils across the country continue to face significant financial pressures, we will continue working hard to protect the services residents rely on most, invest in our communities and deliver on the priorities people tell us matter to them.”

The following committee chairs and vice-chairs were confirmed for 2026/27:

Committee	Chair	Vice Chair(s)
Adult Social Services, Health and Housing Committee	Councillor Piers Allen	Councillor Chris Varley
Education and Children’s Services Committee	Councillor Julia Cambridge	Councillor Michael Wilson
Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sport Committee	Councillor Julia Neden-Watts	Councillor Elizabeth Gant
Finance, Policy and Resources Committee	Councillor Gareth Roberts	Councillor Katie Mansfield
Transport and Air Quality Committee	Councillor Alexander Ehmann	Councillor James Chard
Planning Committee	Councillor Jonathan Cardy	Councillor Richard Pyne Councillor Penelope Frost
Regulatory Committee	Councillor Lesley Pollesche	Councillor Seamus Joyce
Policy and Performance Review Board	Councillor Richard Warren	Councillor Elizabeth Gant

Councillors also confirmed a number of lead member and champion appointments, including: 

• Lead Member for Finance and Resources – Councillor Jim Millard 
• Lead Member for Business and Growth – Councillor Phil Giesler 
• Lead Member for Richmond Town Centre Project – Councillor Katie Mansfield 
• Lead Member for Arts and Culture – Councillor John Coombs 
• Tenants’ Champion – Councillor Paulina Vassileva 
• Armed Forces Champion – Councillor Michael Butlin 
• Borough of Sanctuary Champion – Councillor Fiona Sacks 
• White Ribbon Champion – Councillor Rhi Lee 
• Young People’s Champion – Councillor Penelope Frost 
• Disability Champion – Councillor Margaret Dane

Councillor Roberts added: “I’m pleased to be working alongside an experienced leadership team, as well as councillors bringing fresh energy and ideas into key committee and lead member roles across the Council.

“Across every committee and portfolio, our focus remains on delivering for residents – protecting frontline services, improving our environment, supporting vulnerable residents and helping our communities flourish.”