The Deputy Mayor

2026-2027

Helen Taylor, Deputy Mayor Jessica Heaton, Deputy Mayoress

Helen was born in Ascot in 1973 and adopted from Woodley in 1974, growing up in Burnham. She was educated locally, later attending St Bernard’s in Langley. 

Her career began within Slough Borough Council’s Playcentres whilst studying for her A-levels and this continued when she studied Travel and Tourism Management at Guildford University. 

After graduating, she continued working in leisure services, including roles at Montem Sports Centre, Slough Ice Arena and Slough Tennis Centre.

Helen left the area in 2000, during which time her daughter Jessica was born, before returning and settling in Maidenhead in 2014. She has spent her working life in hospitality and customer-facing roles. 

A lifelong animal lover, Helen has rescued cats for over 20 years and supports Cats Protection and Maidenhead Cat Rescue. She is also an enthusiast of steam trains.

Helen has served on the Royal Berkshire Fire Authority, reflecting her strong family connection to public service.  Her father served in the Scots Guards at Windsor, 30 years with Slough Fire Brigade and later with the Metropolitan Police at Windsor Castle. 

First elected as councillor for Oldfield ward in 2019, she was re-elected in 2023 and appointed RBWM Social Housing Champion.  She is currently establishing a local charity to provide essential household items to people setting up home for the first time, particularly those on low incomes or leaving difficult situations.

Jessica was born in Cheshire where she lived during her early life, before moving to Staffordshire and later Lincolnshire, where she spent the majority of her life.  Jessica then moved to RBWM in 2024 to live with her mum and their three cats.

During her time in the borough, Jessica has participated in voluntary work for the Green Skills Library, as well as attending various council meetings during her first year here.  

Jessica now works at Yourz to Eat, where she enjoys meeting new people every day.  In her spare time she enjoys the company of her cats, along with walking, music and cooking.