Cllr Ruth Dombey OBE
Biography
Ruth has extensive local government experience, having been first elected as a councillor at the London Borough of Sutton in 2002. She was Leader of the Council from 2012 until 2024. During that time, she was one of the Vice Chairs of London Councils and one of the four political group leaders to lead the capital during the Covid pandemic.
During her term in office as a Deputy Chair of the Local Government Association, Ruth was instrumental in promoting a programme which recognised the growing intimidation and harassment being experienced by local councillors and council leaders. This was developed into the LGA’s Civility in Public Life programme which articulates good standards for anyone engaging in public and political discourse.
Ruth was awarded an OBE for services to local government and the Freedom of the City of London in recognition of her work during the Covid pandemic.
Ruth was appointed to the Committee on Standards in Public Life on 15 November 2024 for a three-year term and subsequently appointed to the Ethics and Integrity Commission in October 2025.