New Mayor picks children’s charities for local fundraising efforts
The 53rd Mayor of Richmond upon Thames and her deputy were formally announced last night, along with their chosen children’s charities.
Cllr Blakemore was first elected as a Councillor for North Richmond in 2010. Since then she was Deputy Mayor between 2012-13, held the title of Tenants Champion (between 2010-15) and since 2015 she has been the Cabinet Member for Housing and Public Health.
She has lived in the borough for ten years. She trained as a teacher and educational psychologist – working in the industry for a number of years. Following this, she specialised in autism and published a book in 2001 on the subject. After becoming a councillor she also became involved in a number of local charities and organisations – including Richmond Parish Lands as a Trustee and as a former Governor at Christ’s School.
At the Full Council meeting last night, Cllr Blakemore – along with Cllr Benedict Dias – were formally announced as Mayor and Deputy Mayor for the coming 12 months.
Cllr Dias has been a ward councillor since 2014, representing Twickenham Riverside. He has lived in the borough for 14yrs. He worked in investment banking and in 2010 he started his own finance business. He is involved with the local community through his St James Church and is a trustee of the charity, Off The Record.
