Cllr Ian Edwards

Ian has served as Leader of Hillingdon Council since 2021 and has been a Councillor since 2014. Throughout his leadership, he has consistently challenged central government over the long-standing underfunding of Hillingdon, while defending the delivery of essential services in the expectation that a fairer funding settlement—promised by government—would be delivered. He is committed to reducing the cost of running the Council in order to keep Council Tax low, while maintaining high-quality public services.

A resident of the borough since 1981, Ian is deeply committed to protecting Hillingdon’s green belt and open spaces, and firmly opposes any attempt by the Mayor of London to use local land to meet the housing needs of other boroughs. He is also opposed to the construction of a third Heathrow runway, which would bring limited economic benefit to Hillingdon while causing significant harm to local residents. However, if a third runway is approved, Ian will ensure that Hillingdon secures the best outcome possible.

Prior to entering elected office, Ian served as a Chief Officer at the London Borough of Hillingdon until December 2010. Before that, he was the Police Borough Commander for Richmond, retiring from the Metropolitan Police Service in 2007 after 31 years of service.