Richard has been involved in local Conservative politics since 1980, serving as a local councillor in the London Borough of Hillingdon since 1982. He was leader of the Conservatives on Hillingdon Council from 1992 to 2000 and twice Leader of the Council between 1992 and 1996 and 1998 and 2000.

Richard was Deputy Chair of the Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) between 2000 and 2004 and continues to serve on the MPA as a London Assembly member. During his time as Deputy Chair his responsibilities included being link member for Specialist and Serious Crime issues and he continues to maintain his links with that area of police work.

On the London Assembly, Richard has been a member of the Health Committee and Chair of the Standards Committee, but it has been constituency issues that have dominated his time – fighting the expansion of Heathrow and the building of a third runway; protecting the Green Belt from development and opposing the development of the West London Tram along the Uxbridge Road.

Richard continues to serve on Hillingdon Council representing the Harefield ward, is also a non-executive member of North West London Strategic Health Authority and is also a member of the Crimestoppers Board