At the annual general meeting of Kensington and Chelsea Council, Councillor Tom Bennett was elected as Mayor for the coming year, with Councillor Arian Oretti appointed as Deputy Mayor. The council also conducted its annual review of committee representation and appointments, ensuring political balance across its various committees and outside organisations. Additionally, the council paid tribute to the outgoing Mayor, Councillor Will Lane, and Deputy Mayor, Councillor Laura Burns, for their service over the past year.

Election of Mayor and Deputy Mayor

Councillor Tom Bennett was elected as the new Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, succeeding Councillor Will Lane. Councillor Marie-Therese Rossi nominated Councillor Bennett, describing him as hard-working, intelligent, diligent, and kind. Councillor Rossi also made reference to Councillor Bennett's environmental technology firm, reflecting his passion for improving the environment. Councillor Thalassites seconded the nomination.

Councillor Arian Oretti was appointed as the Deputy Mayor. Councillor Thalassites spoke in support of Councillor Oretti, praising his advocacy for the people and the peacocks of Holland Park. Councillor Thalassites also made reference to Councillor Oretti's work with St John's Church to set up a free breakfast programme for residents during the cost of living crisis.

In his acceptance speech, Councillor Bennett thanked the council for their trust and outlined his priorities for the year, including fostering civic pride and unity, and supporting the Grenfell community. He also announced that the London Air Ambulance Charity would be his mayoral charity for the year.

Vote of Thanks to Outgoing Mayor and Deputy Mayor

The council expressed its gratitude to the outgoing Mayor, Councillor Will Lane, and Deputy Mayor, Councillor Laura Burns, for their service to the borough. Councillor McOver moved the vote of thanks, highlighting Councillor Lane's natural authority, compassion, and fundraising record for the Kensington and Chelsea Foundation. Councillor Evans seconded the motion, praising Councillor Burns' vitality and engagement with the community. Several other councillors also spoke, including Councillor Isse, Councillor Larry, Councillor Folks, Councillor Okay and Councillor Ali, all expressing their appreciation for the work of Councillor Lane and Councillor Burns.

Councillor Lane and Councillor Burns both responded with thanks, acknowledging the support they had received from council officers, fellow councillors, and the community. Councillor Lane spoke of his pride in representing the borough and highlighted his visit to a reception to mark Windrush Day¹, and his meeting with Alison Ingrid Lane Williams, a founding member of the Notting Hill Carnival. Councillor Burns spoke of the joy and smiles that can happen just when you turn up in a chain.

Review of Representation and Appointments to Committees

The council conducted its annual review of representation and appointments to committees, as required by Section 15 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989². The council noted the political balance, confirmed the ratios for committee representation, and agreed the appointments to committees and outside organisations.

The council noted that the political balance was 36 Conservative members, eight Labour Members, two Liberal Democrats, two Independent Group members and two ungrouped Members.

Statement by the Leader of the Council and Response by the Leader of the Opposition

Councillor Elizabeth Campbell, Leader of the Council, addressed the meeting, highlighting the council's achievements and priorities for the coming year. Councillor Campbell spoke of the 31 key priorities for the next year, shaped with the help of over 1000 residents. She mentioned the planting of over 400 new trees, a schools retrofit program providing over £14million to make buildings greener, and a brand-new street enforcement team. Councillor Campbell also spoke about the Notting Hill Carnival, and the need for the Carnival organisers to share the council's commitment to safety.

Councillor Ali, Leader of the Opposition, responded, congratulating the new Mayor and Deputy Mayor. Councillor Ali spoke of the ongoing difficulties of human suffering in Gaza, Palestine, and called for a ceasefire and the release of hostages. Councillor Ali also spoke of the Labour Group's priorities, including safer and healthier homes, economic prosperity, reducing inequality, cleaner and safer streets, and improved health services.