" No one should feel without a solution"

Article by Le Petit Journal Londres, written by Damien Bouhours, 28 June 2026.

"We will continue to work on developing solutions to the administrative problems raised."

A member of the ENSEMBLE! list led by Patricia Connell, Christophe Noblet has been elected as a Councillor for French Citizens Abroad. Having lived abroad for more than 30 years, from Tokyo to London, Christophe Noblet spent 25 years as a Chief Operating Officer and senior executive in investment banking and market infrastructure. An active member of the Liberal Democrats' executive committee in London, he has also been coordinating the Renaissance party's UK branch since 2023.

"These results are a recognition of the continuous grassroots work carried out by Patricia"

What is the main lesson you draw from this vote?

These consular elections saw the ENSEMBLE! list, led by Patricia Connell, come first with a vote share up by 3 points and one additional councillor elected compared to 2021. These results are a recognition of the continuous grassroots work carried out by Patricia, who has remained in close contact with and at the service of French citizens in the United Kingdom throughout the previous term. They also reflect recognition of the progress achieved in improving and easing the daily lives of French citizens in the United Kingdom.

"Many still feel too disconnected from services they need — sometimes vitally so"

What will your priority issues be over the coming months?

Our proposals were drawn up primarily on the basis of the nearly 3,000 responses we received to the questionnaire we sent in February 2026 to those registered on the constituency's electoral roll. Many still feel too disconnected from services they need — sometimes vitally so — whether because they live geographically far from central London, or because they face personal difficulties in travelling. No one should feel without a solution.

We will continue to work on developing solutions to the administrative problems raised — concerning, for example, the issue or renewal of identity documents or proof of life certificates, a more regular consular presence across the whole of the country, and support for those who struggle with digitalisation.

"The role of Councillors for French Citizens Abroad is still not sufficiently well known within our community"

Voter turnout remains relatively low in relation to the number of registered voters. How do you account for this, and how do you intend to reach out more effectively to French citizens in the United Kingdom?

This is indeed a reality that affects all overseas constituencies and is a source of reflection and questioning.

It must be a priority issue to be worked on collectively by elected representatives, without preconceptions, and one that should also be placed on the agenda of the Assembly of French Citizens Abroad (AFE), it seems to me. Certain technical improvements to the electronic voting system are undoubtedly necessary to make the voting process smoother and simpler for everyone, but it is likely that these will have only a marginal impact on turnout in the United Kingdom. We have in any case sent a questionnaire to those on the electoral roll to gather as much feedback as possible on their experience of voting — or not voting — in these elections.

The role of Councillors for French Citizens Abroad is still not sufficiently well known within our community, beyond certain circles, and those who have at some point needed assistance. It is our responsibility as elected representatives to make ourselves better known to all, and to raise awareness of our remit and responsibilities — including and in particular among all French citizens outside London — in the context of roles carried out on a voluntary basis. Our programme includes, for example, the organisation of regular surgeries, in person and/or virtually, as well as more frequent visits to the main areas of French residence across the country.

"I sincerely hope that we will be able to work constructively and in a cross-party spirit"

How do you envisage working with the other elected representatives in the constituency, including those from other lists?

I am newly elected and sincerely hope that we will be able to work constructively and in a cross-party spirit to identify together pragmatic and effective solutions to the difficulties and problems raised by French citizens in the United Kingdom. We are local elected representatives and our mission is to act to resolve these problems or to escalate them to the relevant national institutions and elected officials.

"I am fully aware of the obligations and duties that this mandate entails"

What message would you like to address to the French citizens in the United Kingdom who have placed their trust in you?

I wish once again to express my sincere gratitude for the trust that has been placed in us — a trust that carries with it real obligations. I am fully aware of the duties and responsibilities that this mandate entails, and I am determined to get to work and bring solutions to those who need them."