Slough Borough Council will hold its Annual Council Meeting on Thursday, 14 May 2026, where members will elect a new leader, mayor, and deputy mayor for the upcoming year.
The meeting will take place at 7:00 pm in the Council Chamber at Observatory House. The session marks a significant change in local leadership, as the current leader of the council, Councillor Dexter Smith, confirmed he will step down from the role during the proceedings.
Councillor Smith, who has served as leader since May 2023, also announced he will not seek re-election as a councillor in 2027. His departure comes as the authority continues to work under government intervention, which began in December 2021 after the council issued a Section 114 notice in July 2021 declaring a financial crisis involving debts of more than £700 million. The council remains under no overall control, with a minority Conservative administration currently leading with support from the Liberal Democrats.
In addition to the leadership elections, the meeting agenda includes appointments to various committees and outside bodies, along with an annual review of the council constitution. The council has faced a challenging year, including a vote in February 2026 where the 2026/27 budget was rejected by members. The current ceremonial mayor, Councillor Siobhan Dauti, who has held the position since May 2025, will see her term conclude as the new mayor and deputy mayor are appointed.
Further information regarding the Annual Council Meeting, including the full agenda, is available through the Slough Borough Council website.
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