Councillor David Linnette said he was looking forward to spending a year outside the party political scene after he officially became Mayor of Richmond borough in a ceremony on Tuesday.

Cllr Linnette, who represents Kew ward, takes over mayoral responsibilities of Councillor Martin Seymour, which mainly consists of promoting civic life in the borough.

The previously-Conservative councillor said he would relish the non-political role as the borough’s 52nd Mayor at a time of ‘huge financial challenges’.

Cllr Linnette said: “Arrangements to share staffing with other boroughs – and this is all done to cut costs and maintain services.

“The council, like every council, is under enormous financial strain and it’s a very tough time.

“It will be nice to take a non-political role this year and help to promote the borough in a completely different capacity.

“It’s a very big commitment but I am prepared for it, and honoured to have been nominated and voted in unanimously. I’m looking forward to it.”

Cllr Linnette also confirmed, having already worn the official mayoral attire, that the chains are ‘very heavy indeed’.

He said: “There are two chains, you see; one for Richmond and one for Twickenham. They’re actually heavier than they look.”

His wife Pippa will accompany him on his official visits as the Mayoress over what will be a busy 12-month calendar, with Cllr Seymour attending over 430 engagements over 2015/16.

Cllr Linnette was first selected as a councillor for Kew in 2010, serving as chair of the planning committee and chair of the scrutiny committee.

His chosen charity is INS, a Twickenham-based charity providing long-term support for people with neurological conditions and their carers.

Cllr Linnette described it as a ‘wonderful charity working for a very worthy cause’, and pledged to help raise as much money as possible in his role as Mayor.