Richmond upon Thames has welcomed its new Mayor and her chosen Deputy following their formal appointment at a special meeting of Richmond Council last night.

Councillor Penny Frost, a long-serving Liberal Democrat councillor for Ham, Petersham and Richmond Riverside—and existing Chair of the Education and Children's Services Committee—will serve as the borough's 60th Mayor for a twelve-month term.

Councillor Clare Vollum, who represents Kew ward, was also confirmed as Deputy Mayor for the 2025/26 term.

During her time as Mayor, Cllr Frost has chosen to raise money and awareness for two local charities close to her heart—Crossroads Care Richmond and Kingston upon Thames (Crossroads Care) and Small Steps—which support local people with caring responsibilities and families with young children who have disabilities. 

Cllr Frost said: "I have chosen Crossroads Care and Small Steps because I have seen the joy, support and relief they bring to local families. Their work is nothing short of life changing.

"I'm particularly interested in Crossroads Care's developing work with carers who are supporting a family member with dementia, including their new Dementia Café in Hampton Hill.

"Through my previous role in Children's Services, I've seen how early support and respite for carers can transform lives—and I'm proud to champion these two brilliant charities this year."

Crossroads Care has supported unpaid carers and their families across Richmond upon Thames for over 35 years.

Its tailored services include respite care, companionship, home help, and support for children and those with complex needs—helping carers take a vital break from their responsibilities.

Julie Da Costa, CEO of Crossroads Care, said: "We are truly honoured that Crossroads Care Richmond and Kingston upon Thames has been selected as one of the Mayor's Charities for 2025/26.

"This recognition shines a much-needed light on the vital work we do supporting unpaid carers and their loved ones across our community. We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work alongside the Mayor and wider community over the coming year, raising awareness and essential funds to support those who give so much of themselves, often without recognition or respite."

Small Steps is a specialist local charity offering free weekly group sessions for children under five with physical disabilities or significant motor delays.

Its sessions support all areas of developmental progress while teaching parents and caregivers skills to support their child at home.

Anita Coppola MBE, Head of Small Steps, added: "We are incredibly excited to be chosen as one of the Mayor's charities this year!

"It's a wonderful opportunity to highlight our early intervention sessions for pre-school children with cerebral palsy and other motor-related challenges, and we are truly honoured to receive recognition for the support we provide to their parents and caregivers too.

"We'll continue to embrace an orange, positive and can-do attitude throughout this year of partnership."

Cllr Frost succeeds Councillor Richard Pyne, who had served as the Mayor of Richmond since May 2024.