Surrey council elections in the spotlight – What might happen on 4 May 2023

Surrey consists of 11 District/Borough Council and an overarching County Council (up for election in 2025 and currently Conservative controlled).

There are elections in all 11 the Borough/District Councils on 4 May. In some 1/3 of Councillors are up for election and in some the all Councillors are up for election.

We’re taking a quick look at the 11 Councils in turn to give you an idea of what might happen… This helps us to prepare for engagement after 4 May. You need to have an idea of who you are likely to deal with and what their likely views might be. There may very well be VERY large changes in approach depending on who wins the elections.

1. Spelthorne – NOC – likely to stay NOC (Tory controlled)

• • Full council up for election.
  • Expected Lib Dem gains but Conservatives to stay largest group.

2. Runnymede – Conservative – Conservative HOLD/NOC

• • 1/3 of council up for election.
  • Conservatives would need to lose all their council seats up for election this year to lose majority control – unlikely scenario.

3. Surrey Heath – NOC – likely to stay NOC (LibDem controlled)

• • Full council up for election.
  • Lib Dams likely to make gains and become largest group, with Conservative losses.

4. Woking – Lib Dem – Lib Dem HOLD

• • 1/3 of council up for election.
  • Lib Dems won control of council in 2022 – likely to see further gains by the Lib Dems.

5. Elmbridge – NOC – likely to stay NOC (might flip to LibDem leadership)

• • 1/3 of council up for election
  • Existing Lib Dem/Independent coalition likely to stay in power with Conservative losses.

6. Guildford – NOC – Likely to stay NOC but a chance of a LibDem GAIN

• • Full council up for election
  • Coalition between Lib Dems and Residents. High level target for Lib Dems to take control in May.

7. Waverley – NOC – likely to stay NOC (LibDem Controlled as before)

• • Full council up for election
  • Expect to see Lib Dem gains from the Conservatives, but a continuation of existing coalition agreement

8. Mole Valley – Lib Dem – Lib Dem HOLD

• • 1/3 of council up for election
  • Expect to see Lib Dem gains to increase majority

9. Epsom and Ewell – Residents – Residents HOLD

• • Full council up for election
  • Residents to maintain their large majority

10. Reigate and Banstead – Conservative – Conservative HOLD

• • 1/3 of council up for election.
  • Conservatives unlikely to lose their majority. Small possibility of NOC.

11. Tandridge – NOC – Independents GAIN

• • Third of council up for election
  • Expect to see gains by Independents and Lib Dems from Conservatives.

 

If you want more detailed analysis or breakdowns and information about potential Councillors and candidates in any of these Councils, please get in touch with us! henry@theccp.net or morgan@theccp.net or call 020 4538 7200 #elections