A former Chief Financial Officer has pledged to make the Richmond borough “fairer, safer and greener” after being appointed as a cabinet minister in the council.

Councillor Robin Brown of the Hampton Wick ward has experience of running the finances at a number of international businesses, but will now lend his skills to Richmond council.

Taking the role of cabinet minister for finance and performance, councillor Brown said: “We have set out some very ambitious plans for the borough over the next four years.

“All these things have a price tag and this will mean taking some difficult decisions. Therefore, having a tight control of the public purse is vitally important."

The councillor has spoken of both his “technical expertise” and “first-hand experience” with finances and supporting bodies operating in the charity sector – qualities he believes make him ideally suited to the position.

Over his four year tenure, the councillor plans to support the ageing population, improve accessibility to the borough, develop new homes and better local schools.

As a qualified accountant, councillor Brown believes transparency on council spending is key to success.

He said: “We will be open and honest about costs of services – engaging with residents when decisions need to be made.”