Councillor Nancy Baldwin has been appointed Mayor of Richmond upon Thames following the Council's Annual Meeting in Twickenham last night (Tuesday, 19 May), succeeding Councillor Penelope Frost.

Councillor Baldwin, who previously served as Mayor in 2019/20, returns to the role for the 2026/27 municipal year. Councillor Matthew Wherry has been appointed Deputy Mayor.

A Liberal Democrat councillor for North Richmond, Councillor Baldwin has lived in the borough for more than 40 years and has long been involved in championing community organisations, equality and the voluntary sector.

Before entering local government, she worked across banking, education, business and the arts.

Councillor Baldwin said: "To serve as Mayor of Richmond upon Thames once is a privilege – to be asked to do so again is incredibly special.

"This borough is full of people who quietly give their time, energy and compassion to others every single day.

"One of the greatest joys of this role is the opportunity to celebrate those people and the extraordinary contribution they make to community life across Richmond upon Thames."

As Mayor, Councillor Baldwin will attend civic and community events across the borough and support two local charities during her Mayoral year: Cocoon Care Aftercare and Skylarks.

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Cocoon Care Aftercare supports care-experienced young adults across Richmond, Kingston and Hounslow, helping young people build confidence, independence and lasting support networks as they move into adulthood.

Adriana Thomas, Chief Executive at Cocoon Care Aftercare, said: "Being selected as one of the Mayor's charities this year is a tremendous honour for us.

"We are thrilled to have this opportunity to work together to expand and strengthen the support available to care‑experienced people across the borough."

Skylarks has been supporting children and young people with additional needs and disabilities, alongside their families, across Richmond upon Thames for more than 20 years through inclusive activities, therapies, advice and community support services.

Aaron Guiver, Managing Director of Skylarks, said: "Everyone at Skylarks is delighted and deeply honoured to have been chosen as one of the Mayor's charities this year.

"We are immensely looking forward to working closely with the Mayor to raise awareness of our work and continue supporting children and families across Richmond upon Thames."

Councillor Baldwin added: "There are so many great charities in Richmond to choose from. This year, I wanted to support charities that create connection, confidence and opportunity for young people and families.

"Both organisations make a profound difference through compassionate care, love, care and community, and I'm so proud to champion their work in the year ahead." 

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Councillor Matthew Wherry, Deputy Mayor, said: "It's a real honour to support the Mayor over the coming year and represent our borough's communities at civic events and celebrations."

The council says that details of the Mayor's fundraising events and community programme will be announced in due course.