Richmond’s new mayor has been announced as Councillor Rita Palmer.

The Barnes councillor will be formally invested as 47th mayor of Richmond, along with new deputy mayor Councillor Lisa Blakemore, at full council on Tuesday, May 22.

The proud mayor-to-be said she was delighted to be chosen for the role.

She said: “Not only am I delighted but I am very excited too at the thought that I am going to meet lots of faces in the borough.”

Coun Palmer also announced her two favoured charities for the year, the Horserangers Association, in Hampton Court, and Richmond Hill’s Poppy Factory, both of which help people with rehabilitation and recovery from disabilities.

She said: “Both of my charities are very close to my heart.

“The Horserangers Association is based at Hampton Court. They focus on teaching young people horsemanship and how to care for horses and ponies. They have a specific focus on working with children with special needs.

“The Poppy Factory employs wounded, sick and injured ex-Service personnel in its factory in Richmond. Making poppies, remembrance crosses, sprays and wreaths for the Royal British Legion’s annual appeal and Remembrance Day.”

Coun Palmer has been a member of the council since 2007, is borough champion for senior residents and was nominated to be mayor by leader of the council Lord True, who referred to her as “one of the most hard working and community minded of all our councillors”.