Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Woking Borough Council still left with no overall control after shock Liberal Democrat Horsell win

Woking Borough Council still left with no overall control after shock Liberal Democrat Horsell win

By Julie Armstrong

CONSERVATIVES have suffered two shocking defeats in Woking, with the borough’s mayor and the county’s deputy leader both losing their seats to Liberal Democrats.


The big surprise for the borough at last night’s count (May 7) was the break with the Conservatives’ monopoly on Horsell, with Beryl Hunwicks losing her seat after four consecutive terms of office.

Hunwicks has represented the ward since 2007 and was beaten by Adam Kirby who was standing as a councillor for the first time.

“There is an automatic Conservative vote, isn’t there, in Surrey and I think we’ve managed to successfully challenge that,” he said.

Unlike in 2019 neither the Labour nor Green Party fielded a candidate so it was a two-horse race with the Liberal Democrats, who won 54.2 per cent of the vote and a majority of over 300.

Kirby told the electorate his aims were to ‘prioritise affordable family homes’ and ‘stop speculation by Woking Borough Council with your money’.

The administration was damaged this year when an independent investigation revealed Woking Borough Council had kept its dealings with the Woking Football Club stadium developer secret and failed to properly address financial risks.

Kirby said the first thing that needed to be challenged was [lack of] transparency in decision-making.

“And by doing so, make better decisions and run the council in, I suppose you could say, a business-like way.

“Making notes in more of the meetings, particularly with external parties, would be a good start.”

The Liberal Democrats also made gains in St Johns, where Conservative Graham Cundy stepped down and Dale Roberts beat Paul Smith, and in Mount Hermon, where David Bittleston retired and Ellen Nicholson beat Carl Thomson.

In Mount Hermon the Greens almost doubled their vote share on last year, now at 13.4 per cent.

The Conservatives did make a gain in Byfleet and West Byfleet, which had been held by Independent John Bond who was not re-standing.

Winner Josh Brown’s closest rival was Independent Neil Willetts, formerly of the UK Independence Party.

UKIP fielded only one candidate in Woking borough this time; Will Roe took just 4 per cent of the Canalside vote.

The largest majority of the night for the borough went to the Liberal Democrats’ Will Forster of Hoe Valley (60 per cent), who has been in office for 10 years.

Graham Chrystie, who was elected on a Conservative platform in 2016 but defected to the Liberal Democrats two years ago, lost his Pyrford seat to Conservative Steve Dorsett.

Chrystie was on the overview and scrutiny committee task group whose work led to the external review into procedural failings at the council.

The Conservatives also kept hold of Heathlands and Knaphill, much to the relief of Kevin Davis and Saj Hussain who admitted to having had a nerve-wracking wait for results.

Hussain even said he had been given a hard time while out campaigning by people who ‘hate the Conservatives’.

Aziz Tahir Aziz

Labour’s Tahir Aziz, who retained his Canalside seat with over half the votes, looked shocked and overjoyed to learn Surrey County Council had doubled its number of Labour representatives – to two – after victory for Robert King in Egham.

“We didn’t even think about it,” he said. “This is a kind of breakthrough in Tories’ heartland.

“We see Tory people are very disappointed the way the Tories run their borough, and the lack of transparency.”

The Political make-up of Woking Borough Council is now 13 Conservative (down one), 12 Liberal Democrats (up two), three Labour (no change) and two Independents (down one).

Immediately after results were announced, neither of the main parties knew what would happen next. It is thought they will meet via Zoom on Monday to discuss a way forward.

Ayesha Ayesha Azad

During announcements Ayesha Azad hinted that she was going to concede her leadership.

She acknowledged results may have reflected residents’ feelings on the town centre towers, which can be seen from far and wide across Surrey and are the legacy of her predecessor David Bittleston and chief executive Ray Morgan, both of whom have just retired.

“Maybe,” she said. “Or the incumbency, people want change after 11 years.

“We’ll spend some time licking our wounds, and we’ll bounce back.”

She said she was shocked to see some Surrey County Council cabinet members lose their seats and was sad to see deputy leader Colin Kemp go.

He has represented Goldsworth East and Horsell village since 2013, but ultimately voters chose Liberal Democrats foster carer and debt coach Lance Spencer, who took 46.7 per cent of the vote compared to Kemp’s 42.7 per cent.

This was the only change of hands politically for the Woking area at a county level, leaving the Conservatives with four seats, Liberal Democrats with two and Independents with one.

Overall on the county council the Conservatives bucked the national trend by losing seats, but still have a clear majority with 47 out of 81 (58 per cent).

(Local Democracy Reporting Service)

More For You

Starmer-Getty

Starmer is facing a Labour backbench revolt over plans to reform special needs support in schools without guaranteeing existing legal rights. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images)

Starmer faces Labour pushback over SEND reform plans

KEIR STARMER is facing a backlash from Labour MPs over plans to reform special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support, after ministers stopped short of guaranteeing legal rights for parents.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the government was committed to reforming the current system, which costs £12 billion a year. However, she did not confirm if legally enforceable rights, such as those provided by education, health and care plans (EHCPs), would remain.

Keep ReadingShow less
Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week

iStock

Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London before 30°C heatwave

Key points

  • Heavy rain and thunderstorms drench London at the start of the week
  • Temperatures set to rise with highs of 31°C expected by Thursday
  • Heatwave could be declared by Friday if warm conditions persist
  • Night-time temperatures to remain high, increasing discomfort
  • UV and pollen levels forecast to be very high across the south

Thunderstorms soak London before summer heat returns

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week as heavy rain and overnight thunderstorms swept through the capital. Monday morning saw widespread downpours, leaving commuters reaching for umbrellas and Wimbledon ticket hopefuls queuing in ponchos.

The unsettled conditions followed a burst of thunderstorms on Sunday afternoon and continued into the early hours of Monday, prompting caution across the city. The Met Office has not issued a formal weather warning for thunderstorms, but conditions remain unstable.

Keep ReadingShow less
National Trust sets vision to heal
nature and engage more Asians

Lisa Nandy, Steve Reed, René Olivieri and Hilary McGrady at a National Trust event marking its 130th anniversary

National Trust sets vision to heal nature and engage more Asians

THE National Trust, which is seeking to broaden its appeal to British Asians, is marking its 130th anniversary with a renewed commitment to restoring nature and widening access under a 10-year strategy.

Its director-general, Hilary McGrady, also aims to inspire more people to get involved in caring for the country’s natural resources.

Keep ReadingShow less
 7/7 bombings

The King said the public should draw on the 'extraordinary courage and compassion' shown in response to the attacks. (Photo credit: X/@RoyalFamily)

Starmer and King Charles pay tribute on 20th anniversary of 7/7 bombings

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer and King Charles on Monday paid tribute to the unity shown in the aftermath of the 7 July bombings in London, as the country marked 20 years since the attacks.

On 7 July 2005, four Islamist extremists carried out suicide bombings at Aldgate Station, Edgware Road, King's Cross and Tavistock Square. The attacks killed 52 people and injured hundreds more.

Keep ReadingShow less
Navroop Singh

Navroop Singh was convicted of five charges including rape and was sentenced on July 4 at Isleworth Crown Court. (Photo credit: Metropolitan Police)

Man jailed for life over rape and attempted rape in west London

A 24-year-old man has been sentenced to life in prison for rape, attempted rape and firearm offences following a Metropolitan Police investigation in west London.

Navroop Singh, of Mellow Lane East, Hayes, was convicted of five charges including rape and was sentenced on Friday, July 4 at Isleworth Crown Court. He must serve a minimum of 14 years.

Keep ReadingShow less