Former Liberal Democrat Councillor David Trigg has defected to Richmond & Twickenham Green Party. He will be standing as a lead candidate in Fulwell & Hampton Hill in the local elections on Thursday 7th May 2026 alongside Nansi Eggleton and Tim Highmoor.
David Trigg said: “I’ve joined the Green Party after being a Lib Dem member for many years. It’s clear to me that the Liberal Democrats’ large majority has made them arrogant, self-centred and lacking in transparency. They need to be held to account, and I believe that The Green Party is the only viable party to do this for the benefit of the residents of this borough.
“For example, I’ve been hugely concerned by the Council’s arrogant attitude about the Shacklegate Lane allotments, where they are ignoring the overwhelming demand of local people to protect the allotments and manage the cemetery differently.”
The Lib Dems currently occupy 49 of 54 seats on Richmond Council. Many residents are increasingly realising the importance of restoring political balance to address concerns of complacency.
David Trigg was first elected in 2005 and has lived in the borough for nearly 30 years. He has a wealth of experience in environmental sustainability and education as a former governor of Richmond College and is a founding member of The Friends of River Crane Environment. David says: “I believe in protecting green assets and will speak up for residents of Fulwell and Hampton Hill with enthusiasm and dedication; my previous experience of local government stands me in an excellent position to do this.
“My single most important motivation is to promote the interests and concerns of local people. I am passionate in believing that councillors must fight for the concerns of the people they represent. If elected I will ensure that you have a voice within Richmond Council. Please use all three votes to elect more Greens in Fulwell & Hampton Hill.”
The Greens have more than 900 councillors across England and Wales, up from 859 councillors on 181 councils following the 2025 local elections, which resulted in a net gain of 43 seats.
Earlier this year, other defections from the Lib Dems to the Greens include Cambridge councillor Ingrid Flaubert and Rachel Pattinson-West in Poole.
Further north, the local Green Party in Hull has welcomed another David, son of Labour’s John Prescott, who will be standing as a candidate in the Sutton Ward. David Prescott joins over 50 former Labour councillors who have in recent months defected to the Greens.
