Following the Annual Full Council Meeting held on 11 May 2026, Ryde Town Council is pleased to confirm the election of Cllr Karen Lucioni as Mayor and Cllr Jess Higgins as Deputy Mayor for the forthcoming civic year.
Cllr Karen Lucioni was first elected onto the Town Council in 2013. She brings extensive experience in local government, having served as a long-standing Ryde Town Councillor and Isle of Wight Councillor, with a strong focus on community safety, environmental matters, and local service delivery, to the role of Mayor.
Speaking following her election, Cllr Lucioni said:
“It’s a privilege to take on the role of Mayor of Ryde, and I’m excited to work alongside our residents, support our local businesses, and help ensure young people and older residents feel valued and represented within our community. I look forward to proudly representing our town throughout the year ahead.”
Deputy Mayor Cllr Jess Higgins said:
“It is an honour to have been elected Deputy Mayor. I am excited to take up the post and work alongside Karen, and I am grateful to my fellow councillors for placing their confidence in me.”
The Council also extended its sincere thanks to outgoing Mayor Cllr Diana Conyers for her dedicated service and contribution over the past civic year.
Cllr Conyers said:
It has been a great honour to be the Mayor of Ryde for the past year – and also to be the first woman mayor. Ryde is an incredible town. I have met a wide variety of people and been warmly welcomed everywhere. I would like to thank everyone who has helped to make it such an interesting and rewarding year, including our excellent staff team, my deputy Karen, and the incredible public of Ryde, whose diversity, energy and enthusiasm continue to astound me.
At the Annual Full Council Meeting, committee chairs were confirmed as follows:
- Planning and Environment Committee – Cllr Malcolm Ross
- Finance and Resources Committee – Cllr Phil Jordan
- Community Development Steering Group – Cllr Diana Conyers
- Network Ryde Steering Group – Cllr Pippa Hayward
Ryde Town Council wishes both the Mayor and Deputy Mayor every success as they take on their civic duties and continue to serve the community of Ryde over the year ahead.
