Linda Bird has been elected Mayor of Greenwich for the 2025–2026 civic year, marking her second term in the borough’s highest ceremonial role.
A long-standing Eltham resident, Linda Bird brings over four decades of service in education, community engagement, and local government to the position. Her first mayoral term, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, was largely conducted online, but this year she looks forward to engaging with residents face-to-face once again.
“I am truly honoured to serve once again as Mayor of this incredible borough,” said Bird. “It’s going to be wonderful getting out and seeing people in person. Greenwich has shaped my life and my family’s, and I’m proud to give back to the community I love.”
With her daughters, Emily Bird-Boughen and Amy Bird-Matthews, serving as consorts, family remains central to Councillor Bird’s approach to public life. She has selected two local charities to support during her Mayoral year: Home-Start Greenwich, which offers vital early-years support to families, and Greenwich and Bexley Hospice Dementia Support Group, a new initiative focusing on care for those affected by dementia.
Bird’s professional life has long been embedded in the borough. She taught in schools across Eltham, Deptford and Brixton, and later served as a PE and dance advisor in Lewisham and Greenwich. She also founded Greenwich Youth Dance, giving hundreds of local young people opportunities to explore their creativity. In 2002, she became Headteacher of Linton Mead Primary School in Thamesmead, a post she held for 12 years until retiring in 2012.
Since entering local politics in 2014, she has represented Eltham North and, following boundary changes, now serves as councillor for Eltham Park and Progress. She has held roles on several key panels, including Chair of the Children and Young People Scrutiny Panel and member of the Planning Board.
During her first term as Mayor, Bird helped channel the borough’s pandemic experiences into a heartfelt publication of over 200 letters, drawings, and poems reflecting community resilience.
David Gardner, a seasoned representative for Greenwich Peninsula, has been appointed Deputy Mayor. Having first served from 2002 to 2006 and returning in 2014, he brings further experience and continuity to the leadership team.
