South West Woking Lib Dems

08/06/2026

04/06/2026

Summer is apparently here but whatever the weather decides to do our monthly councillor surgery is coming up this weekend.

If there’s something on your mind, local issues, casework, ideas, or just a question about what’s happening in Woking then do come along and have a chat.

📍 Usual place
🕙 Usual time

04/06/2026

The Lib Dems will have a team supporting Woking and Sam Beare Hospice at the Dragon Boat Race on Sunday.

03/06/2026

WEST SURREY COUNCIL EXECUTIVE (CABINET) APPOINTED 👥

Good evening everyone.

I am pleased to have appointed and now announce the new Executive (Cabinet) of West Surrey that will work in these areas in shadow form for the next year until West Surrey becomes the full local authority / service providing council in April 2027 and they take full responsibility over these areas.

❇️ The following eight councillors join me (as Leader) and Cllr Shaun Macdonald (Deputy Leader) to form the new committee of ten. More details of their roles will be published over the next few days.

Cllr Alan Ashbery
Portfolio Holder for Transport, Infrastructure and Regulatory Services

Cllr Ann-Marie Barker
Portfolio Holder for Environment, Place and Economy

Cllr Victoria Kiehl
Portfolio Holder for Governance, Democracy and Corporate Services

Cllr Julia McShane
Portfolio Holder for Housing and Communities

Cllr Ellen Nicholson
Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health

Cllr Leslie Rice
Portfolio Holder for Finance

Cllr Dale Roberts
Portfolio Holder for Transformation, Digital and Customer Experience

Cllr Liz Townsend
Portfolio Holder for Children, Families and Education

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Cllr Paul Follows
Leader, West Surrey Council

22/05/2026

And we're off.

The first meeting of the West Surrey Shadow Council took place yesterday (21 May) following recent elections - a key step towards the new West Surrey Council assuming operational responsibilities in April 2027.

Shadow councillors came together to start preparations for the new council, with Councillor Paul Follows appointed Leader and Councillor Shaun MacDonald as Deputy Leader.

The Shadow Council will work closely with councils across Surrey, partners and local communities to shape how the new West Surrey Council will operate, ensuring it reflects local priorities and continues to deliver high-quality services.

In the meantime, council services continue as normal. Residents should contact their existing county, district or borough council or councillors for enquiries about day to day services. Shadow councillors can answer resident queries on local government reorganisation and the transition to the new authority in April 2027.

Read more ➡️ https://ow.ly/RY8I50Z33Jw

20/05/2026

Congratulations to my ward colleague, Cllr Rob Leach, on becoming Mayor of Woking.

Rob has served St John’s residents with real care and dedication for many years and I know he will bring warmth, decency, humour and a strong sense of community to the role. I’m genuinely delighted to see him take on this important civic position.

I also want to thank the outgoing Mayor, Cllr Amanda Boote, for an outstanding year of service to the borough. Amanda brought energy, kindness and enormous commitment to the role, and represented Woking brilliantly throughout her mayoral year.

Wishing Rob every success for the year ahead

09/05/2026

What an amazing day! The Liberal Democrats have won every single seat in my Constituency and we have gained control of the new West Council! I want to thank everyone who voted for us! 🔶 🗳️

08/05/2026

Thank you, South West Woking.

We are incredibly grateful for the support, encouragement, and trust residents have placed in us.

Over the course of this campaign, we’ve had thousands of conversations on doorsteps across St John’s, Hook Heath, Mayford, and Brookwood. Those conversations mattered to us. Residents spoke honestly about the challenges facing local government, but also about the kind of representation they want: visible, hardworking, thoughtful councillors who listen and get things done.

That is exactly the approach we will continue to take.

We would also like to thank everyone who took part in the election across all parties, along with the volunteers and staff who helped make the democratic process possible.

The hard work starts now.

Leslie Rice, Liberal Democrats and Dale Roberts Liberal Democrats, have been elected to represent Woking South West on West Surrey Council.

https://ow.ly/gx5k50YWIhc

Turnout was 49.3%

See the full results by ward at: https://ow.ly/1U5R50YWIh9

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