The Royal Borough of Greenwich Council has confirmed its committee structure and key appointments for the 2026-27 municipal year, following its Annual Meeting on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. Councillor Anthony Okereke was re-elected as Leader of the Council, with Councillor Jackie Smith appointed as Deputy Leader. Councillor David Gardiner will serve as the new Mayor, and Councillor Raja Zeeshan as Deputy Mayor.
Councillor Okereke's re-election sees him continue to lead on Policy, Communications & Corporate Governance. His responsibilities include providing strategic leadership across corporate functions, ensuring democratic accountability, and managing communications with residents, media, and partner organisations. Under his leadership, the council aims to make Greenwich the place to be
over the next four years.
The council established several committees, including the Audit and Risk Management Panel, Licensing Committee, and Planning Board, alongside various Scrutiny Panels. The allocation of seats to political groups on these committees was agreed to ensure political balance, in line with the Local Government (Committees and Political Groups) Regulations 1990. The distribution was based on the relative strength of the political groups: Labour (63.64%), Green (23.64%), Conservative (10.91%), and Reform (1.82%).
The Audit and Risk Management Panel will continue to function as the Council's Audit Committee. Its core responsibilities include reviewing corporate governance, monitoring risk management and internal controls, examining financial reports and external audit findings, approving the internal audit plan, and providing input on Treasury Management and Capital Strategies. The panel's objective is to offer independent assurance on audit and risk management matters.
The Licensing Committee will focus on making and reviewing recommendations for the Statement of Licensing Policy, advising on the protection of children from harm, and monitoring the impact of licensing on regulated entertainment. It will also refer reports to the Planning Authority concerning alcohol-related crime and disorder and consider current licenses or applications with representations.
The Planning Board's remit includes considering strategic development management and applications for residential developments of 50 or more dwellings, or commercial/industrial developments with a floor space of 3,000 square metres or more. It will also handle major applications and those with significant objections or involving council-owned land.
Six Scrutiny Panels have been established for the 2026/27 municipal year: Children & Young People, Organisation & Communities, Inclusive Economy & Culture, Health and Adult Social Care, Housing and Neighbourhoods, and Transport & Place. These panels are tasked with scrutinizing performance management, value for money, holding the executive to account, reviewing external bodies, tackling inequality, monitoring budget management and service performance, and reviewing Cabinet decisions. The Overview and Scrutiny Committee will oversee these functions.
The council also noted the appointments of party whips and leaders of opposition groups. Councillor Jane Dickenson was appointed Council Chief Whip, with Councillor Lewis Hurst as Deputy Chief Whip. Councillor Tamasin Rhymes will lead the Opposition Green Group, and Councillor Matt Hartley will lead the Opposition Conservative Group. These roles are crucial for managing committee nominations and representing opposition viewpoints.
The council approved the outline calendar of meetings for the 2026-27 municipal year. The meeting concluded with the formal closing of the annual meeting, followed by special meetings of the Licensing Committee and the General Purposes Committee. Further details on the council's proceedings can be found in the public reports pack and supplementary agenda.
