Ealing Liberal Democrats have announced their new shadow cabinet following last week’s local elections in which it remains the official opposition to Ealing Labour on Ealing Council.
The party won 13 seats, its highest ever, in Thursday’s (7 May 2026) election, making gains from both Labour and the Conservatives in Hanger Hill, Ealing Common, Ealing Broadway and Walpole, while also retaining Southfield ward.
Councillor Gary Malcolm will continue as leader of the opposition.
The party’s shadow cabinet includes Councillor Jon Ball overseeing planning, licensing and regeneration, alongside the roles of whip and deputy leader, while Councillor Jonathan Oxley takes responsibility for finance.
Other appointments include Councillor Mark Sanders for honesty and accountability, Councillor Adam Keenan for children’s services, Councillor Andrew Steed for adult services, and Councillor Athena Zissimos for environment and crime.
Councillor Connie Hersch takes on culture, sport and communities, while Councillor Gary Busuttil becomes the party’s transport spokesperson.
Speaking after the announcement, Councillor Malcolm said voters had backed a stronger Liberal Democrat opposition following concerns over the cost of living and local services.
He said: “The people of Ealing have voted decisively for a strengthened Liberal Democrat opposition as they are fed up of paying an ever-increasing Council Tax bill in the worst standard of living crisis for over sixty years.
“Ealing Labour seems unable to get the basics right – wanting to close ten children’s centres and two adult day centres for vulnerable residents and presiding over an unkempt, rubbish strewn environment with deteriorating high streets including many empty shops.
“We believe it is important to hold Ealing Council to account and encourage delivery through partnership working so that all residents can be proud of the borough we call home.”
Before the election, Labour held 56 seats on Ealing Council, with the Liberal Democrats on eight, Conservatives four and two independents. Following the election, Labour remains the largest party with 46 seats, while the Liberal Democrats increased their representation to 13 councillors. The Conservatives now have five seats, the Green Party has five, and there is one independent councillor.
