Mayor of the Borough
The Mayor is the first citizen of the borough, elected for a term of office of one year from the end of May.
During the year the Mayor will represent the Borough by attending a broad range of functions, from formal receptions and official openings to visits to local clubs, schools and community groups, to 100th birthday celebrations.
Find out more about inviting the Mayor to your event and the engagements the Mayor is attending for the next 4 weeks.
Councillor Rich Michalowski, Mayor of the Borough of Reigate & Banstead
Cllr Rich Michalowski has lived in the borough for over 30 years and currently lives in Redhill with his wife, Michelle. He is the very proud father of three sons: Aleksander, Tomasz and Konrad.
He was born and raised in Coventry and is the youngest of four children born to Polish parents, who were welcomed to the UK after being displaced from their homes in Poland during the Second World War.
After gaining his degree in Geography at Kingston in 1986, Cllr Michalowski completed a software engineering course which opened the world of work in the IT sector. After several years employment at the London Stock Exchange, he set up and ran his own software consulting business.
In the early 2000s, motivated by a desire to work closer to home, he chose a complete career change and became 'The Local Handyman'. He retired last year with the feeling that it was always a privilege to have worked for so many wonderful clients in their homes in the Redhill and Reigate area.
Cllr Michalowski was elected to represent Redhill West and Wray Common in 2018 and has been an ardent supporter of all things local, working on behalf of residents, the community, and businesses.
In 2020, Cllr Michalowski was appointed Executive Member for Leisure and Culture and then Executive Member for Place, Planning Policy and Regulatory Services in 2023. He was Deputy Leader of the council before his installation as Mayor of the Borough.
Cllr Michalowski is a committed fan of Redhill Football Club and is passionate about supporting grassroots football. He enjoys the benefits of our beautiful local countryside, in particular fishing and walking, and recognises the importance of our natural environment to our well-being. He is a lifelong pop and rock music fan who continues to support live music by regularly attending concerts and the occasional festival.
In the year ahead, Cllr Michalowski is dedicated to serving the Borough with a passion. He will support the endeavours of residents, organisations and businesses of the Borough, as together we continue to make this a great place to live, work and enjoy.
The Mayor's theme
The theme of Cllr Michalowski’s Mayoral year is Courage. Courage to face a challenge. Courage to say, “Hello”. Courage to say, “I need help”. Courage to say, “That's not OK”. Courage to make a change for you and for yours. Courage for our Council as it looks forward and outwards to work with our neighbours.
The Mayor's chosen charities
Cllr Michalowski’s chosen Mayoral charities are: I Choose Freedom and Homestart East Surrey.
For further details about these charities please visit the Mayor's chosen charities webpages.
Invite the Mayor to an event
During the year, the Mayor will represent the Borough by attending a broad range of functions, from formal receptions and official openings to visits to local clubs, schools and community groups, to 100th birthday celebrations.
Please complete this form to invite the Mayor to your event.