Residents in Teddington will head to the polls on 7 May 2026
With candidates from major parties and independent backgrounds, voters have a wide choice in shaping the future of local services and community priorities.
Alongside the candidates themselves, understanding the political landscape locally helps voters make an informed choice.
🟣 Liberal Democrat candidates (current leadership)
The Liberal Democrats are the dominant party locally, having controlled Richmond Council since 2018 and holding a large majority of seats.
What they stand for (locally)
- Strong focus on community-led local government
- Investment in public services and environment
- Emphasis on local decision-making and resident engagement
Local position
- Currently hold the vast majority of council seats
- Seen as one of the strongest Lib Dem councils in London
Candidates
Richard Baker
- Maintaining local service standards
- Responsive resident engagement
- Supporting existing planning policies
Charlie Engel
- Continuing borough-wide policy delivery
- Protecting community services
- Supporting sustainable development
Phil Giesler
- Strong community involvement
- Focus on neighbourhood issues
- Supporting current council initiatives
🔵 Conservative candidates
The Conservative Party (UK) has historically been strong in Richmond but has lost all council seats in recent years following electoral defeats.
What they stand for (locally)
- Emphasis on lower spending and efficiency
- Stronger financial control of the council
- Focus on accountability and transparency
Local position
- Previously dominant, but now no longer represented on the council
- Campaigning to rebuild local support
Candidates
Elizabeth Dolan
- Greater financial oversight
- Reducing wasteful spending
- Improving service efficiency
Jon Hollis
- Stronger accountability
- Better value for money
- Improved transparency
James Lloyd-Thomas
- Challenging current leadership
- Broadening political balance
- Reviewing local policy decisions
🌹 Labour candidates
The Labour Party (UK) has a limited presence locally and has historically struggled to win seats in Richmond.
What they stand for (locally)
- Investment in public services
- Focus on affordability and housing
- Promoting social equality
Local position
- No current councillors in Richmond
- Seeking to establish a stronger foothold
Candidates
Sampson Edward Low
- Strengthening public services
- Addressing cost-of-living pressures
- Supporting local families
James Dylan Thomson
- Tackling housing affordability
- Improving infrastructure
- Supporting working residents
Patricia Margaret Vendale
- Investing in community services
- Promoting equality
- Supporting local development
🟡 Reform UK candidates
Reform UK is a newer and growing party in UK local elections, including in Richmond.
What they stand for (locally)
- Reform of government structures and spending
- Focus on cost-of-living concerns
- Challenging established political parties
Local position
- No current councillors in Richmond
- Fielding candidates across the borough as part of expansion
Candidates
Julian David Allbut
- Focus on government reform
- Addressing cost-of-living issues
- Increasing accountability
Kay Marilyn Brooks
- Offering alternative policy ideas
- Challenging mainstream parties
- Supporting local decision-making
Mark Vellacott
- Supporting local businesses
- Bringing community perspective
- Encouraging economic activity
⚪ Independent candidates
Independent candidates stand outside party structures.
What they typically stand for
- Focus on local, ward-specific issues
- Greater independence in decision-making
- Direct representation of residents
Local position
- A small number of independent candidates are standing across the borough
Candidates
Phulmaya Bhusal
- Focus on community concerns
- Independent decision-making
- Representing resident voices
Ken Denaro
- Prioritising local issues
- Promoting direct representation
- Community-focused approach
🧭 What this means for Teddington voters
- The Liberal Democrats currently dominate local politics
- The Conservatives and Labour are trying to rebuild locally
- Reform UK and independents offer alternative voices
👉 With three votes per person, residents in Teddington can:
- Support a single party slate
- Mix candidates across parties
- Or back independent voices
🗞️ Final thought
Local elections may not always attract the same attention as national votes, but they have a direct impact on everyday life in Teddington — from planning decisions and parking to local services, green spaces, and community funding.
This election is not just about which party leads the council, but about who represents your street, your concerns, and your priorities.
👉 Voting gives residents in Teddington a real voice in shaping their community.
👉 It ensures that local decision-makers reflect the people they serve.
👉 And it helps hold councillors accountable for the choices that affect daily life.
With three votes available, every resident has the opportunity to influence the balance of representation — whether that means supporting one party, mixing candidates, or backing independent voices.
If you want a say in how Teddington evolves over the next four years, this is your moment to take part.