Councillor Robert Leach
Mayor 2025/2026
Robert has served two spells as a Residents’ Association councillor. Since 2023 he has represented Nonsuch ward and between 1999 to 2011 he represented Auriol ward which included four years chairing the Planning Committee. He spent much of the 2010s driving around the country giving lectures on tax, accounting and company law.
He feels honoured to be elected as mayor of his hometown.
Robert has lived in the borough from his childhood in 1956. His father, also called Robert, was a music teacher. He taught at Pound Lane School in Epsom and gave piano lessons at Fitznell’s School of Music in Ewell. He taught this son to play the piano in both classical and popular styles. Like his father, Robert plays piano in a dance band. The mayor attended Stoneleigh West infants and junior school (now called The Mead) and went to Glyn Grammar School.
In 1974, Robert married Marilyn. They have three children and three grandchildren. Marilyn is a qualified microbiologist who has worked in Harley Street. Marilyn now runs a charity in which 50 volunteers make blankets that are sent overseas.
After a brief period working in a laboratory, Robert changed to office work and eventually qualified as a chartered accountant. He also trained as a journalist and wrote regularly on tax for The Daily Telegraph. He still occasionally writes or advises for newspapers and magazines. He has also had 46 books published, including a history of Cuddington parish.
In the church, Robert has played the organ and been a member of the Church of England’s various synods. From 1995 to 2005, he was a member of General Synod where he successfully moved motions on ethical investment and easing the VAT burden on churches.
Robert plays the piano in a 15-piece dance band, in addition to other musical activities. In 2000, he played the organ in a local performance of Saint-Saens’ organ symphony with a 60-piece orchestra. He also once conducted Epsom Symphony Orchestra.
Supporting local charities
This year the Mayor will support three local charities.
- Good Company who run the Epsom & Ewell Foodbank, Epsom Pantry and other help for people in need.
- Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell, who help people with personal problems such as benefits, debt, housing, family breakdown and other matters.
- Epsom & Ewell Phab, a club that provides inclusive activities for young disabled and non-disabled people. Activities include sports, arts, crafts, games, drama, dance and music.
Contact the Mayor's Office
Robert is always pleased to attend local functions such as fetes, award ceremonies and opening premises for voluntary and commercial organisations. No charge is made. You may also want to have a ‘Meet the Mayor’ meeting.
If you would like the Mayor to attend an event you are holding, please contact the Mayor's PA:
01372 732104
