Charlie Davis, previously deputy leader, has been unanimously elected as the new leader of the Greenwich Conservatives
The new leader of Greenwich Conservatives said it is an “honour” to be chosen to lead the local Tory party.
Cllr Charlie Davis, previously deputy leader, was unanimously elected as the new leader of the Greenwich Conservatives at a party meeting last night (August 17).
This comes after outgoing leader Cllr Matt Hartley announced he was stepping down earlier this month, saying it felt like the “natural moment” for him to step back following the party’s election success in May – taking their numbers to six councillors.
Cllr Davis said: “It is an honour to have been trusted by colleagues to take over as the new leader of the Conservative Group.
“I’m incredibly lucky to take over a stronger, bigger group following our gains at the last election, which were made possible by the hard work and determination of our outgoing leader, Matt Hartley. He leaves strong foundations to build upon over the next few years.
“I’m looking forward to getting started, setting out our priorities for the borough and showing residents that there is a positive Conservative alternative at the Town Hall.”
Cllr Davis was first elected to Greenwich Council in 2016 after winning the Eltham North by-election. He served Eltham North until 2022 and returned to the council at the October 2024 by-election in Eltham Town and Avery Hill ward.
He previously served as deputy leader from 2020 to 2022 and resumed that role following his election in 2024.
Outgoing group leader Cllr Matt Hartley said: “It’s a privilege to be able to step down after serving for nine years as leader of Greenwich Conservatives with total confidence that the Conservative Group will thrive under my successor.
“Charlie Davis is the single most skilled and tenacious campaigner in this borough, and I know he will do an outstanding job for residents as he fights their corner at the Town Hall.”
Cllr Luke Warren, who was elected to represent Mottingham, Coldharbour and New Eltham ward for the first time at the May council elections, will replace him as deputy leader. Cllr Hartley remains as a back bench councillor for Mottingham, Coldharbour & New Eltham.
During May’s council elections, the Greenwich Conservatives consolidated their control of much of Eltham though the council is still controlled by Labour overall.
The Tory group grew from four to six members and took two seats from the ruling Labour party while Reform took one seat from Labour as well.
Despite May’s election victory, Cllr Hartley lost his title as leader of the opposition at Greenwich Council following the surge in support for the Green Party. The Greens grew from two members to 13, with Cllr Tamasin Rhymes the current opposition leader.
Got a story? email [email protected]
Don’t miss out on the biggest local stories. Sign up to our MySouthLondon newsletter HERE for all the latest daily news and more.
