Richmond-upon-Thames: The borough with no opposition

"The party secured a complete sweep on 7 May 2026, retaining control of RichmonduponThames Council, leaving the chamber without formal opposition. The results were: Lib Dems: 54 seats (+6), Greens: 0 (-5), Conservatives: 0 (-1). Such a decisive result has brought both praise and unease, with the party saying it is evidence of strong local backing, while also prompting questions about scrutiny, accountability and how effectively different voices are heard in what is now a oneparty borough."

"Council leader Gareth Roberts says local voters backed the Liberal Democrats because of their record in power. He told BBC London Politics: "People like us as a council. They like the fact that we deliver good quality services for them and that we make sure that we have this relentless drive for good quality. "They also like the fact that they see us all year round and not just this election time and that really matters to a lot of people.""

"With no opposition councillors in the chamber, questions have been raised about how the council will be held to account. When asked how residents can be sure the council is going to be held accountable, he said they would "try and incorporate as many of the voices that we possibly can". "We will consult, consult, consult, on everything we do," he said."

"Critics say the absence of opposition risks weakening scrutiny. The local Green party, which lost five seats, said the result was bad for democracy, warning that alternative views could be lost. In a statement on 8 May, the Richmond and Twickenham Green party said: "The Lib Dems now have a monopoly on this council, which is not a healthy position fo"

Liberal Democrats won all seats in every ward in Richmond upon Thames at the latest local elections on 7 May 2026, retaining control of the council. The final results gave the Lib Dems 54 seats (+6), while the Greens received 0 seats (-5) and the Conservatives received 0 seats (-1). The outcome produced praise for strong local support and delivery of services, alongside unease about how the council will be held to account without opposition councillors. The council leader said residents would be heard through ongoing consultation and efforts to incorporate many voices. Critics warned that a one-party council could weaken scrutiny and reduce the presence of alternative views.

Read at www.bbc.com