Kingston Council has appointed a new Director of Strategy & Transformation following interviews held on 24 October 2025.
The Senior Staff Panel, comprised of Councillor Andreas Kirsch (Leader of the Council & Portfolio Holder for Heritage and Culture and Co-Chair - Corporate and Resources Committee), Councillor Alison Holt (Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Economic Development & Co-Chair - Place Committee), Councillor Jamal Chohan (Deputy Leader of the Opposition; Opposition Spokesperson for Leisure and Economic Development), Councillor Emily Davey (Portfolio Holder for Housing & Co-Chair - People Committee), and Councillor Sabah Hamed (Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Equalities and Co-Chair - People Committee), convened to interview shortlisted candidates.
The appointment was made after the panel excluded the press and public from the meeting, citing Section 100(A) (4) of the Local Government Act 1972. According to the Public Reports Pack, this exclusion was necessary due to the likely disclosure of exempt information, as defined in paragraph(s) 1, 2 and 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972. This relates to information about individuals, financial and business affairs. The panel determined that maintaining the exemption was in the greater public interest.
The agenda for the meeting also included apologies for absence, declarations of interest, confirmation of minutes from a prior meeting on 1 September 2025, and consideration of urgent items.