Hillingdon Council confirmed Cllr Steve Tuckwell as new Leader of the Council at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) last night (Thursday 14 May), during which councillors also elected the new Mayor for the municipal year.
Cllr Tuckwell was formally appointed for a four-year term, confirming Cllr Richard Mills as his deputy as well as his new Cabinet.
This follows the decision by Cllr Ian Edwards last Friday (8 May), to not seek re-election as Leader of the Hillingdon Conservative Group, after five years in the post.
Cllr Steve Tuckwell, Leader of Hillingdon Council, said: “It’s an enormous privilege to lead the borough I’m proud to call my home.
“I want to thank Cllr Ian Edwards for his leadership, support and service to Hillingdon. Few people have dedicated as much of their lives to the borough.
“I’m looking forward to working with colleagues across the council in the best interests of residents throughout Hillingdon.”
The Cabinet portfolios are:
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Cllr Richard Mills - Deputy Leader and Corporate Services, Digital and Transformation
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Cllr Eddie Lavery - Finance
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Cllr Susan O'Brien - Children, Families, Health and Care
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Cllr Adam Bennett - Community, Environment and Enforcement
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Cllr Wayne Bridges - Residents Services
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Cllr Nick Denys - Planning, Housing and Property.
The Leader will oversee a Cabinet portfolio for Growth, Communications and Governance.
During the AGM, Cllr Reeta Chamdal was officially elected the new Mayor of Hillingdon, replacing outgoing Mayor, Cllr Philip Corthorne, as the borough’s first citizen and ceremonial representative.
Speaking of her appointment, Cllr Chamdal, said: "It is a tremendous honour to be elected and I'm deeply grateful for the trust placed in me and humbled by the opportunity to serve our borough as the first citizen.
"I look forward to meeting residents and volunteers across Hillingdon and serving the borough to the very best of my ability."
Cllr Chamdal will be accompanied during official duties by her husband and Mayor's Consort, Roy Chamdal and escorted by two of her daughters, Lavina and Evangaline and her son, Dante. Cllr Colleen Sullivan was also appointed Deputy Mayor.
Retiring Mayor, Cllr Philip Corthorne, spoke of his time spent as Mayor of Hillingdon. He said: “It has been an immense honour and privilege to serve the borough. Though my time as Mayor has ended, my commitment to this borough remains as strong as ever.
“Hillingdon’s greatest strength is its people, and I look forward to continuing to serve them as a ward councillor.”
If you'd like to invite the Mayor to attend an event you are organising, email mayor@hillingdon.gov.uk.