The royal barge Gloriana could be rehomed in Kingston after a pre-emptive Richmond Council u-turn this morning.

Kingston Council leader Councillor Kevin Davis said he had spoken to Lord Sterling, who is charged with finding a new home for the barge, about mooring it in the royal borough.

Coun Davis said this morning: “If Richmond weren’t going to do it we should consider finding a home for it.

“We’re not ready yet to announce where it might be, but there’s definitely a few sites along the river front which would be perfect.

“I’ve had a conversation with Lord Sterling.

“We’re in discussions about Kingston becoming the home for it.”

This morning, Richmond Council announced that, though the results of its consultation into hosting the yacht at Orleans Park had not been fully analysed, it was clear a “substantial majority” were opposed.