I see no fix for this, nor do I see a simple HTML tag that will change the numbered list prefix. However, if you use HTML only for the small font, may I make a suggestion? Many people do not like small fonts and would prefer to read email in their choice of font size, but what you do prevents that. If the intent of small font is because that is your personal viewing preference and you do not mind if recipients view in a different font and/or font size, then an option would be to set tools>preferences>general to a small font, in both 'other writing systems' and in 'latin' - it must be BOTH, and then reset the Compose option to medium font. When composing, you will continue to see a small font, but your recipients will receive the message such that their own font settings will determine the display. Just a suggestion for your consideration...

Thanks David that works for me!

It is indeed for my viewing preferences but your changes also solve the numbered list issue.

Out of curiosity, I tried sending trial emails to different email programs/ web interfaces to see how those are displayed with your settings. It always is displayed in the same small font, whether I view it online or on my phone, for example. If I reply to these messages and view the reply in thunderbird, it is displayed the larger font, but as soon as I compose a reply it adjusts to the small font.

I'm not entirely sure where the inconsistency comes from but this is good enough for me for now

Thanks again

You possibly have the setting to allow other fonts under tools>preferences>general. You might change to not allow other fonts. That's my personal approach, as it protects me from people sending emails in 24 pt helvetica and the like - or tiny script. Anyway, I'm very pleased I was able to assist.

Thanks again