Elmbridge local election candidates 2021: Meet the people vying for your vote in May

Voters in Elmbridge have multiple selections to make in the local elections on May 6 with seats being contested at borough and county level as well as for the role of Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner.

On Elmbridge Borough Council, there are 16 wards set to elect councillors with 63 candidates fighting for the seats. On Surrey County Council (SCC) there are nine seats up for grabs in the Elmbridge divisions.

The post of Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) is being contested by five candidates.

We gave each of Elmbridge's borough and county council candidates 100 words to use as they wish to put forward their pitch for why you should vote for them, which can be read below. Where a candidate has exceeded the word limit, their bio has been cut at the 100th word.

For the full list of PCC candidates, see our article here.

Elmbridge Borough Council elections

There are 63 candidates vying for your vote in 16 borough wards across Elmbridge.

Claygate

Wael Aleji, Conservative Party

Wael is a psychologist and a researcher on human rights issues. He is a proud local resident and values Claygate's history, its independent businesses and community organisations. He describes himself as an "experienced listener and communicator" - qualities which are essential in a local councillor.

If elected, his priorities are to champion vulnerable residents and the local shops, to defend the Green Belt and to make Claygate cleaner and greener.

Bruce McDonald, Liberal Democrats

Bruce has lived in Claygate since 1968 and spent his career in local government, serving as Chief Executive of the Royal Borough of Kingston from 2000 until his retirement in 2015. Bruce is standing as a candidate because he wants our community to build back better after Covid and to create a more local, more mutual and more sustainable future.

He believes passionately in local democracy and has been appalled by Surrey County Council's recent plans to wipe out local district councils, given that decisions are best made close to, and with, the people they affect.

Hadleigh Felix Moon, Labour Party

I am a proud resident of Claygate with my wife and a daughter on the way. I am a health & safety officer for a charity who provide social care for adults with dementia and learning difficulties.

If elected I promise to advocate for more, affordable social housing to help hardworking families get out from under extortionate private rents that make home ownership increasingly difficult. I also aim to bring more council services in-house, to ensure they are efficient and serving the people of Claygate, instead of serving private greed. Vote Moon to keep Claygate green and clean.

Ruxley Tower in Claygate (Image: Zoopla)

Cobham & Downside

Mike Bennison, Reform UK

No bio supplied.

Steven John Gray, Labour Party

No bio supplied.

Elaine Linda Kingston, UK Independence Party (UKIP)

The UK Independence Party (UKIP) will be contesting three of the Elmbridge council wards on the 6th May. The candidates are: Elaine Kingston (Cobham & Downside), Donald Anderson (Molesey East) and Samantha Fry (Long Ditton).

The party's policies include defending the Green Belt and agricultural land from overdevelopment; only building on brownfield sites; more police on the streets to combat crime; and pressing the county council for more action on potholes and rough surfaces on our roads. UKIP deplores the high cost of Business Rates which cause so many small shops and businesses to close.

Alistair David Mann, Conservative Party

Alistair is Chairman of Cobham Chamber of Commerce and led their campaign against proposals for Pay and Display in the High Street. He is involved with a number of other local organisations including the Cobham Green Belt Group.

Alistair believes Elmbridge Council can be a strong partner to support local shops, including by establishing a Business Improvement District. Alistair is campaigning for a review of car parking charges and improving pavements.

Zelda Eloise Pitman, Liberal Democrats

Zelda grew up in Surrey and has lived in Cobham since 2010 with her family. She works as a solicitor in Windsor and has long been active in her local community. Zelda is standing as a Borough candidate to ensure that sound, practical decisions are made in the interests of the whole community.

She is concerned about the increasing reliance by hard-working local families on food banks, as well as rising incidents of homelessness. Traffic congestion, air pollution, local housing and access to good school places are also key local concerns.

Esher

Susan Elizabeth Dennis, Labour Party

No bio supplied.

Laura Jayne Harmour, Green Party

I joined the Green Party when green belt meadows behind my house were razed to build a school despite Elmbridge Council’s opposition. Environmental issues are my major concern as well as ensuring that local people’s voices are heard.

There are 80 Green Party Councillors in the South East fighting for the environment and for social justice. The May elections offer people in East Molesey and Esher the opportunity to start making a real difference locally by voting Green.

Jeremy Christian Larsson, Conservative Party

Jeremy wants to protect green spaces and ensure that Elmbridge Council is run more efficiently with lower taxes and better services. He has a background in senior leadership roles, including as Managing Director for a financial tech firm.

Jeremy has two daughters at local schools and is a governor of Esher Church School. He currently advises small businesses and charities. He says: "The Resident Association and Liberal Democrat coalition running Elmbridge Council has lost control of the Council's finances and this has led to Council Tax rises and local services under the threat of cuts. Only the Conservatives can get...(cut at the 100th word as it exceeded the limit).

David James Young, Esher Residents Association

I am the only candidate who lives in the Esher Ward so I understand the concerns of Esher and Hersham Riverside/Longmore residents. Nationally, these issues are overlooked. We need independent, local Councillors who are not following a party line and who will consult with residents, not overrule them from Westminster.

I want to ensure a clean, green and vibrant local area by protecting the Green Belt, stopping excessive development, revitalising the High Street, tackling pollution, improving pedestrian safety and strengthening our sense of community.

These are big challenges but I will work hard on behalf of all our residents.

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Hersham Village

Jeremy Daniel Brown, Labour Party

I've been lucky enough to grow up in Hersham where I live now. With your vote, I’d be campaigning for a Hersham 'citizen's assembly'. This would give you more of a direct say on local decisions, especially on the bypass, climate change, and ideas for a new footbridge over the Mole.

The assembly would involve a fair, randomised selection of Hersham residents from varied ages and backgrounds – to listen and debate, while also hearing from technical experts. I would be keen to debate how we can cut food poverty.

Chester Robert Chandler, Liberal Democrats

Chester has lived in Elmbridge all his life and works in the financial sector, championing ethical and sustainable finance. Chester is standing as a Borough candidate to protect and enhance Hersham’s green spaces for the benefit of both the local environment and for residents’ physical and mental wellbeing. He wants to ensure Hersham’s residents have a clear voice at the table when making decisions that affect them – something that is being stripped away by the Conservatives’ attempts to centralise power away from local communities. He also wants to get more young people involved in local politics.

Paul Wood, Conservative Party

Paul believes the past year has presented huge challenges and local government must rise to the challenge of helping society to recover. He believes that local services will always be under finance pressure, so councillors must focus on delivering excellence and efficiency.

Before retiring, Paul held senior roles within major businesses, and if elected he will work closely with Hersham's Conservative councillors and our MP to provide a joined-up service for residents. His priorities are Hersham's shops, local environment, listening to residents and delivering value for money.

Hinchley Wood and Weston Green

Liz Ambekar, Liberal Democrats

Liz has lived with her husband and teenage daughters in Hinchley Wood since 2014. She is a Charity Finance Director and trustee of Claygate Youth and Community Hub. Liz is standing to represent her local community, where she has been an active volunteer and political campaigner for many years.

During the pandemic, she runs a food bank collection point at her home, collecting 100s of items donated by local residents. She will work towards a fair and equal society, climate action, and community support for local businesses as they recover from the impacts of the pandemic and Brexit.

Gill Coates, Hinchley Wood/Weston Green Residents' Associations

I am honoured to represent the Residents’ Associations of Hinchley Wood & Weston Green. Living in Weston Green for 21 years, as a commuter, mum, dog owner, carer and community volunteer (Citizens Advice, Meals-on-Wheels), I’ve experienced firsthand the commitment of our Residents’ Associations to improving local services, protecting green spaces, supporting local business and preserving the special character of Weston Green and Hinchley Wood, unhindered by national party politics.

I want to continue that good work. I believe in 'think globally, act locally' and feel strongly that local councils have a valuable role in our democracy.

Geoff Herbert, Conservative Party

Geoff has lived and worked locally his whole life and knows Elmbridge issues very well. He is determined to preserve the Green Belt and the local environment, while resisting intensification.

Geoff believes local communities should decide where new housing goes. His priorities also include support for the voluntary sector, more visible policing and working as part of a Conservative team to tackle potholes.

James William Samuel, Labour Party

No bio supplied.

Long Ditton

Samantha Fry, UK Independence Party (UKIP)

Greg Knowles, Green Party

I, Greg Knowles, believe that now, more than ever, the result of this election will significantly impact the way we live in Elmbridge and Surrey. If elected, I will, therefore, ensure the voice of local residents is heard loud and clear in council decisions on planning, climate action, social care and other important issues by listening to community assemblies, interest groups and grass roots organisations like the AERC.

The community of Elmbridge deserves action and while the pace of change cannot be halted, it can be directed, and you can do it.

Jeremy Langham, Liberal Democrats

Originally from Lancashire, Jeremy (Jez) has lived in Elmbridge with his wife since 1997. He has three children and works as a business development director in the creative industries.

Jez is standing as a Borough candidate in order to improve support for families and young people in the area, address failures in education, welfare and social provision, protect the Green Belt and improve the lack of affordable housing. He has led the recent Elmbridge Lib Dem campaign to provide laptops for schools, raising over £5,000 and providing 40 laptops to families at our local schools.

Jake Coltrane Lewis, Labour Party

No bio supplied.

Claudia Riley-Hards, Conservative Party

Claudia's top priority is to preserve the Long Ditton Green Belt. Previously, Elmbridge Council under Liberal Democrat/Resident Association control has consulted residents on using releasing this Green Belt to meet housing demand.

As part of a Conservative Council, Claudia will resist excessive annual housing targets to preserve the character of Long Ditton, while using her background in economic development to promote council policies that support our local shops and businesses, and apprenticeships for young people.

Molesey East

Donald Peter Anderson, UK Independence Party (UKIP)

Richard Percival Flatau , Liberal Democrats

Richard is a retired Accountant who spent his career in the leisure industry. He first moved to East Molesey in 2005 and is active in the local campaign to resist the proposed development at Hampton Court Station.

Richard is standing as a Borough candidate because he wants more action on climate change, better housing and planning provision to improve affordable housing while protecting the local character of East Molesey, and better coordination of road repairs. He will also address the increase in the number of dilapidated boats along the river at Molesey.

Lisa Howard, Green Party

Hello, I am Lisa Howard, the Green Party borough candidate in Molesey East. I feel incredibly lucky to live in such a beautiful part of the country and I will work hard to ensure that we hold on to our vital green spaces.

In my professional career within the charity sector and the creative industries I have consistently fostered a culture of inclusivity and opportunities for all. And I am standing for election in order to shape positive change for our entire community.

Peter Ronald Pope, The Molesey Residents Association

Peter has been a Molesey resident for 30 years. He comes from a military family where his father was a Sergeant-Major in the Kings Royal Rifles. Peter trained in management at London Transport and later worked in civilian support for the Metropolitan Police. Later he served as an RSCPA officer and now runs his own gardening services business.

His prime hobby, after taking a steam engineering course, is as assistant Chief Engineer on the Flying Scotsman steam locomotive project. He comes as a new boy in Council matters and is strongly interested in what the Council can do for local...(cut at the 100th word as it exceeded the limit).

Rosie Rendall, Labour Party

No bio supplied.

Xingang Wang, Conservative Party

Xingang is a part-time magistrate - a role he took on to set an example of community service to his young daughters - and has previously worked in engineering and accounting. He grew up in China but became a British citizen after studying for a master's degree in London.

Xingang's priorities are to resist the overdevelopment of Molesey, protecting and enhancing our riverside, and supporting the high streets in Walton Road and Bridge Road. He supports keeping Vine Hall open and opposes the Jolly Boatman development.

Molesey West

Hurst Park in West Molesey (Image: Mick Rock)

Mike Axton, The Molesey Residents Association

Mike is a lifelong resident of Molesey and has served as Secretary of the Molesey Residents Association and as councillor for Molesey West for some 20 years. He is often the first point of call for council or other queries on Molesey matters.

His wife Fiona is a teacher and manager at a Molesey Nursery School and secretary of 1 St Molesey Scout Group. Mike and Fiona’s three children all went to Molesey schools and education remains a main interest. Mike worked for Thames Water, then for a builder of the Oxford University racing boats. He later did legal training...(cut at the 100th word as it exceeded the limit).

David George Sheldrake, Labour Party

I have lived in Molesey all my adult life, and am well known in the community, I have been a Labour Party member and supporter all my life and believe in the core values of looking out for the many not the few.

I am a strong believer in also protecting the environment and do my best to make the buses more accessible so it's easier to travel to Kingston by bus than take a car. I believe Molesey is a great place to live and will really enjoy looking out for ALL its residents if elected.

Philip Stevenson, Liberal Democrats

An assistant head teacher at a local primary school, Phil has lived with his wife in Elmbridge since 2011. He has led his school’s online learning programme during the pandemic and is passionate about education.

Philip is standing as a Borough candidate to protect the area’s green spaces, improve pavements and footpaths, work to increase the number of electric car charging points and continue pressuring the Environment Agency to remove the illegally moored slum boats between Walton and Molesey. He will also fight plans for over-development in Molesey while championing affordable housing.

Agnes Fuchs, Conservative Party

Agnes lives in the ward, on Walton Road, and has children at local schools. She worked as a librarian in Budapest, where she grew up, and since settling in Molesey she has been working as a nursery practitioner. She says: "I love living in West Molesey. It is so calm and green, with welcoming people."

Her priorities for the council are to regenerate local playgrounds, support the redevelopment of Molesey Hospital and campaign for a bus service to the new secondary school for Molesey pupils, which is being built on land next to Xcel in Walton.

Oatlands and Burwood Park

Ananya Banerjee, Conservative Party

Ananya is proud to have been selected as the Conservative candidate for her home ward – Oatlands & Burwood Park. She has lived in Weybridge for nearly nine years and understands the local issues.

Ananya's background is in planning and design. She's a trained architect and director of a national planning practice. Ananya believes that Oatlands and Burwood Park, in being situated between Walton and Weybridge, offers the best of both worlds.

If elected as the area's Conservative Councillor Ananya will protect the village's unique identity and bring her experience to the service of the Council and assist residents with...(cut at the 100th word as it exceeded the limit).

Helgi Joensen, Liberal Democrats

Helgi has lived in Oatlands for more than 30 years and has been the Secretary and, currently, Treasurer of the Brackley Residents Society for the past 20 years.

Helgi is standing as a Borough candidate to ensure this ward, which includes parts of Hersham, continues to be a desirable place to live by investing in infrastructure, schools, parking, local services, waterways and green spaces.

He will work towards improvements in the outdoor areas around the Thames, including making better use of Desborough Island, improvements to community centres and a long-term solution to traffic problems.

Angus Rendall, Labour and Cooperative Party

No bio supplied.

Oxshott & Stoke D'Abernon

Patrick Combe, Liberal Democrats

Patrick has lived in Stoke D'Abernon since 2005 and has had a strong connection to the locality since he was a child. Patrick has a track record of working to improve the Oxshott and Stoke D'Abernon community.

He set up a Facebook Community Group, which now numbers 5,000 members, enabling local residents to communicate more efficiently and share important information, which has been especially valuable during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Patrick is standing as a Borough candidate to support local business and the community, protect the Green Belt and improve social care, mental health and wellbeing.

Carolyn Ann Gray, Labour Party

No bio supplied.

Alan Charles Parker, The Conservative Party

Alan is a former Chief Executive Officer of a FTSE 100 company and has been a chairman and non-executive director for international companies. Putting people first has been a priority throughout Alan’s career and his CBE was awarded for services to industry.

He will use his experience to ensure council services are delivered more efficiently to benefit residents, and drive out waste. Alan wants to ensure residents feel safe in their homes secure from outside intrusion, overcrowding and excessive through traffic.

Thames Ditton

Alex Batchelor, Thames Ditton/Weston Green Residents' Association

I've lived in Thames Ditton for over 20 years and been very much part of our community as my children have grown up, serving as School Governor and Membership Secretary of our local Association.

I want to help our area thrive and develop whilst preserving the character and sense of community that makes it special. That's best achieved by a local government not dominated by national party politics.

If elected, I look forward to joining our Residents' team to continue the RA tradition of defending our interests, protecting our Green Belt, and reducing the threat of over-development.

Martin James Clark, Green Party

I am only standing as a candidate to give the people of Thames Ditton an option to vote for the Green Party. Humanity must be given the chance to move forward collectively as a priority to take care of Planet Earth.

James Robert Fearnley-Marr, Labour Party

No bio supplied.

David Stuart Gattey, Liberal Democrats

David was born in Thames Ditton and has lived there ever since. He is a supporter of our local food bank and was part of the successful Lib Dem laptop campaign that provided 40 laptops for local schools in need as part of the successful “Laptops For Schools” campaign.

David is standing as a County candidate to champion equality of opportunity in Surrey and work to improve its education and children’s services, including reinstating much-needed funding for many youth clubs and youth organisations who do vital work in our community.

Patrick Wylde, Conservative Party

Patrick lives in Thames Ditton and wants to ensure it remains one of the best places to live in Surrey. He works in the construction and maintenance industry and has a strong interest in responsible local development that complements an area.

Patrick will support and enhance the local environment and resist over-development, working as part of a Conservative team to push back against excessive housing targets. Patrick wants to support small and independent shops, particularly if a Lidl supermarket goes ahead on Portsmouth Road.

Walton Central

Paul Anthony Liptrot, Conservative Party

Paul is a former journalist and a resident of Walton for more than 30 years. He knows Walton and its people well and will be a strong voice for the town at Elmbridge Borough Council. Paul will protect the conservation area and green spaces.

He is pleased to see new independent shops opening in Walton town centre after such a tough year. He wants to make sure the new Business Improvement District set up in Walton sustains this.

Paul intends to work closely with Cllr Christine Richardson and both of Walton's Surrey county councillors as well as our MP Dominic...(cut at the 100th word as it exceeded the limit).

Damien Thomas Nolan, Liberal Democrats

A Walton resident for 16 years, Damien runs a home-care business employing 90 people in the local community. He previously worked in education and the public sector enabling young people and adults to improve their lives and employment ambitions and he currently supports many local charitable groups.

Damien is standing as a candidate to represent the community in Walton as it comes out of the pandemic. He will champion innovation, better use of technology and new ways of doing business to generate local employment and work to improve people’s health, wellbeing and quality of life.

Chris Sadler, The Walton Society

Resident in Walton for 40 years and a Walton Society Councillor for 18. I have been a member of the local Planning Committee for over 10 years successfully opposing many poorly designed developments out of character with their surroundings or which would chip away at valued open space.

Walton needs independent Councillors willing to fight against overdevelopment, especially as Conservative central Government wants much more housing to be built here.

It has been my responsibility to balance Elmbridge’s budget for the last two years. I have kept tax rises to a minimum, whilst protecting our community services, despite funding cutbacks.

Elina Simanovits, Labour Party

No bio supplied.

Walton North

Peter Ashurst, Labour Party

Originally from Lancashire, I moved to Walton on Thames four years ago. I currently work in medical communications.

I am standing as your Labour candidate for Surrey County Council and Elmbridge Borough Council. Over the last decade I have seen life get progressively harder for the most vulnerable in our society.

If elected, I will campaign for our council to bring service in-house to ensure maximum cost efficiency whilst maintaining services, demand that council tax increases are reviewed, push for a low cost, rights value approach to council tax and call for the council to tackle hunger in our borough.

Clare Margaret Bailey, Liberal Democrats

Originally from Somerset, Clare has lived in Walton-on-Thames with her fiancé since 2014. She is a data analyst for an international logistics company.

Clare is standing as a Borough candidate to better represent the people of Walton. She will work to resolve the lack of affordable housing in the area whilst respecting green spaces, and for better coordination for services to support families and young people, and to address the increase in the number of dilapidated boats that are moored along the Thames.

Lewis James Brown, Conservative Party

Lewis grew up on Cambridge Road and lived on St John's Estate as an adult. He is a former Grovelands School pupil and has five years' experience as an Elmbridge councillor. He is keen to ensure local streets and parks are cleaner and litter free and will help shops, including along Terrace Road, to flourish.

He wants to see a Conservative administration at Elmbridge to keep taxes low and standards high. Lewis said: "I know local democracy may be the furthest thing from our minds as we look forward to resuming life, but your vote really can make a difference...(cut at the 100th word as it exceeded the limit).

Andrew Christopher Kelly, Independent

A Cottimore Lane resident, Walton North has always been my home. I’ve represented Walton for 11 years. Helping residents with local issues has been the best part of being a councillor. I’ve worked to improve our area, fought to protect Walton from unacceptable development and campaigned against more HGVs on our roads.

My experience means I know how to get things done at the Council. Like Elmbridge’s many residents’ associations, I firmly believe national party politics has no place in local councils. Whilst the national party candidates don’t even live in our ward, my only concern is our area.

Walton South

John Phillip Cope, Conservative Party

John has spent a decade working in education and apprenticeships, and wants to help the Conservatives regain control of Elmbridge Council so that all of Walton can benefit from our plans for a cleaner, greener borough.

John notes that the council is relying on reserves and voted in February to put up council tax, despite receiving extra money from the government. He says: "Now is not the time to raise taxes, especially as so many small businesses and residents have been hit financially by the pandemic."

If elected John will also improve the Halfway Green and Severn Drive park, support... (cut at the 100th word as it exceeded the limit).

Kirsty Jane Hewens, Liberal Democrats

Originally from Lancashire, Kirsty has lived with her family in Walton since 2003. She worked for a number of years as a tax advisor prior to raising her family and has been involved in numerous local volunteering roles in the community, including volunteering at and chairing the local Food Bank.

Kirsty is standing as a Borough candidate to represent the people of Walton, protect all that is great about the town and work hard to make improvements, including revitalising the Heart, protecting local green spaces, increasing affordable housing and improving our existing social housing.

Katrina Anne Jepson, Labour Party

No bio supplied.

Weybridge riverside

Manjit Kaur Gill, Conservative Party

Manjit has lived in Weybridge for 14 years and has a background in international business development. Seven years ago she founded an international charity to promote menstrual dignity and she mentors young people and women.

Manjit believes in traditional values, service and original thinking. She wants to speed up the redevelopment of the Weybridge health centre site and help rejuvenate the high street.

Helen Clare Pilmer, Labour and Cooperative Party

No bio supplied.

Judy Sarsby, Liberal Democrats

Judy is retired and has lived in Weybridge with her husband for the past 10 years.

She is a volunteer with Elmbridge CAN charity, working to support refugees from Syria and other countries to settle and integrate here. During the pandemic, Judy worked as a volunteer to source PPE for the NHS, local councils and health authorities.

She is standing as a Borough candidate to improve elderly care, bring focus to the need for better mental health provision, protect our green spaces, improve air quality and represent residents’ views in relation to the Weybridge Town Regeneration Scheme.

Weybridge St George's Hill

Peter Michael Harman, Weybridge & St. George's Independents

No bio supplied.

David Harvey, Conservative Party

David lives in Weybridge with his wife El and their twin sons. His priorities are to regenerate the High Street and Weybridge Hospital, and delivering a cleaner, greener Weybridge. David will protect the Green Belt and oppose inappropriate development. He will work with the Conservative team to improve cycle routes and make roads safer.

David disagrees with Liberal Democrat/Resident Association decision to charge residents to use tennis courts and will campaign to reverse this. He will protect council services by repairing the finances.

Warren Weertman, Labour and Cooperative Party

No bio supplied.

Nicholas David Wood, Independent

Local Conservative councillors approve as many homes as Westminster Tories tell them. Perhaps they can tell us how to redecorate, then try to get the taxpayers to pay for it too - just like Boris in Downing Street!

I promise to vote against any building on green belt. But only on ex industrial land (’brownfield’) instead.

Dire services?
Woeful bus frequencies?
Umpteen potholes (I know, I cycle to work)?
Poor schools?
All Tory failings.

I'll install a complaint form on the council website so we voters can comment directly - thus very visible to the public.

Surrey County Council elections

Cobham

David Colin Bellchamber, Liberal Democrat

David is a retired lawyer and has lived in Elmbridge for 40 years, the last 18 in Cobham.

He is standing as a County candidate to improve local services, particularly social care and mental health provision; address the climate emergency through a swift move to carbon neutrality; protect our precious Green Belt while planning to deliver more affordable housing; continue to forge close ties with Europe; and defend local democracy, working with residents and organisations at every level against the vagaries of centralised power to achieve the best outcome for our post-pandemic future.

David John Lewis, Conservative Party

David was first attracted to live in Cobham by the cherry trees on the Tilt and the River Mole. As County Councillor he will stand up for Cobham. As an Elmbridge councillor David has robustly defended our Green Belt and at Surrey he will ensure that roads and footpaths continue to be improved and that the Council's investment in flood prevention projects will benefit the area.

David supports strengthening the local economy as the best way to ensure a thriving community and good local services.

Irene Threlkeld, Labour Party

Irene has lived all her life in Cobham and has seen many changes. She is the Secretary of Esher and Walton Constituency Labour Party.

She has been active in the community and was the Chair of Cobham Ex-Servicemen’s Club for several years. She gave up her car a few years ago and uses public transport and is a keen supporter of environmental issues.

If elected she would work to improve local bus services and to build up support for Cobham Community Centre. To decrease fly-tipping she would support the reversal of charges for taking non-household waste to Surrey’s Recycling Centres.

East Molesey and Esher

Steve Bax, Conservative Party

Steve is an experienced borough councillor for East Molesey who has a reputation for being a highly visible and active councillor, taking up his residents' issues and delivering results. He worked in local newspapers for many years and uses his journalism background to produce The Molesey News and The Esher News publications to keep residents informed, as well as being visible and contactable on social media.

If elected to Surrey, Steve will provide a joined up service for residents across both councils' responsibilities. His priorities as a Surrey County Councillor will be to secure investment for our local roads, tackling...(cut at the 100th word as it exceeded the limit).

Richard Cranstone Bennett, Labour Party

No bio supplied.

Laura Jayne Harmour, Green Party

Bruce Robert McDonald, Liberal Democrats

He believes passionately in local democracy and has been appalled by Surrey County Council’s recent plans to wipe out local district councils, given that decisions are best made close to, and with, the people they affect.

Hersham

Jeremy Daniel Brown, Labour Party

Chester Robert Chandler, Liberal Democrats

Chester has lived in Elmbridge all his life and works in the financial sector, championing ethical and sustainable finance. Chester is standing as a candidate to protect and enhance Hersham’s green spaces for the benefit of both the local environment and for residents’ physical and mental wellbeing. He wants to ensure Hersham’s residents have a clear voice at the table when making decisions that affect them – something that is being stripped away by the Conservatives’ attempts to centralise power away from local communities. He also wants to get more young people involved in politics.

John O’Reilly, Conservative Party

John's approach since first being elected a councillor 30 years ago has always been, "stand and fight for Hersham" and getting things done by working in partnership with residents and fellow councillors. Since being elected to Surrey County Council in 2017, John has fulfilled his promises by getting 15 roads either fully resurfaced or extensively patched, improving and extending Hersham's 555 bus service, and addressing residents' highways concerns through three parking reviews.

If re-elected he is as enthusiastic as ever to keep putting Hersham first. John is also a former leader of Elmbridge Council where he froze council tax for...(cut at the 100th word as it exceeded the limit).

Hinchley Wood, Claygate and Oxshott

Mike Bennison, Reform UK

No bio supplied.

Frederick Albert Green, Labour Party

No bio supplied.

Sue Grose, Liberal Democrats

Sue has lived in Claygate with her husband for 23 years and is a Senior Nurse Leader in the wider London Health economy. Sue is standing as a County candidate to work for improvements in Health and Social Care, planning and school provision in the local area. She believes that local government has never been more important than now and that the Liberal Democrat voice is vital as we seek to build our post-Covid Future and recover from the economic and social impacts of the pandemic and Brexit..

Mark Sugden, Conservative Party

Mark Sugden is our candidate to represent Hinchley Wood, Claygate and Oxshott at Surrey County Council. After an international business career, Mark moved to Claygate in 2007, where he joined the Parish Council, currently serving as its Chair.

He regularly raises issues on behalf of residents at the Elmbridge Local Committee of Surrey County Council. He is an ardent supporter of the local Green Belt and protecting vital community services, as well as pressing for more local school places, strong law and order and safer, better highways.

Mark said: "Despite challenging times, I will do all I can to make..."(cut at the 100th word as it exceeded the limit).

The Dittons

Ali Ahmad, Labour Party

No bio supplied.

Nick Darby, Dittons and Weston Green Residents

Residents’ Association Councillor Surrey County Council Dittons Division. Current Opposition Leader. Track record:

Installed school crossings, improved road junctions,
New extended school bus service,
Resurfaced 20+ local roads,
More frequent parking reviews,
Funded sensory equipment for those with dementia, defibrillators, mental health training for local teachers,
Chaired Surrey Mental Health Task Group,
Effective practical community work, meeting local people, listening, taking action.

Priorities:

Continue support for Green Belt, new development in keeping,
Further road and footway resurfacing,
Better coordination of utility works,
Improve facilities and funding - Mental Health, Adult Care, Children,
Use every opportunity to reduce carbon footprint.

David Stuart Gattey, Liberal Democrats

David is standing to champion equality of opportunity and work to improve its education and children’s services, including reinstating much-needed funding for many youth clubs and youth organisations who do vital work in our community.

Greg Knowles, Green Party

The community of Elmbridge deserves action and while the pace of change cannot be halted, it can be directed, and you can do it.

Nicholas Weber, Conservative Party

Nicholas has lived in Long Ditton for 16 years and understands the needs of the local community. If elected County Councillor he is committed to making the Dittons better.

He will secure investment to repair and improve roads, tackle congestion and support schools. Nicholas has worked for some of the UK's largest food retailers in senior roles - he currently advises small businesses - and will use his commercial background to help the Conservatives at Surrey to continue their prudent transformation of services. Nicholas will support the planting of more trees in the Dittons and promote walking and cycling, as...(cut at the 100th word as it exceeded the limit).

Walton

Peter Leondard Ashurst, Labour Party

Originally from Lancashire, I moved to Walton on Thames four years ago. I currently work in medical communications.

I am standing as your Labour candidate for Surrey County Council and Elmbridge Borough Council. Over the last decade I have seen life get progressively harder for the most vulnerable in our society.

Rachael Isabel Lake, Conservative Party

Rachael has served Walton since 1997 and is always ensuring that residents' views are heard. She established regular surgeries at Walton Library, and will continue to fight for local school places. In regards to the Walton Heathside secondary school opening in 2022, Rachael ensured local councillors will have oversight of the school's parking plan before occupation.

She is a Trustee on the Charity of Robert Philips and runs the Elmbridge Community Fishing Academy for 18-16 year olds. If re-elected as Surrey County Council for Walton, Rachael will actively support business groups, the voluntary sector, while ensure Walton's roads and pavements... (cut at the 100th word as it exceeded the limit).

Damien Thomas Nolan, Liberal Democrats

Walton South and Oatlands

Peter Jeffry Hampson, Liberal Democrats

Peter has lived with his wife in Weybridge for 7 years and is currently the Head of Marketing and Communications for a specialist bank based in the City of London.

He is Chair of Weybridge Rowing Club. Peter is standing as a candidate to improve Walton South and Oatlands, and the borough of Elmbridge, focusing on pandemic recovery, improving social care and building a cleaner, greener society for the benefit of all.

He believes that only the effective and competent leadership that the Lib Dems can provide will deliver this.

Tony Samuels, Conservative Party

Tony is proud to have served residents of Walton South and Oatlands since 2010. As a local lawyer, his experience has enabled him to serve the community and solve problems.

Tony has served in the Surrey Cabinet since he was elected and has been Chairman of the Council since 2018. This has allowed him to work closely with Surrey's voluntary organisations and he will continue to support them.

Walton South and Oatlands has high levels of air pollution, and Tony will be vociferous in his support for mitigation measures. The wellbeing and safety of his residents will be his top... (cut at the 100th word as it exceeded the limit).

Warren Weertman, Labour and Co-operative

No bio supplied.

West Molesey

Jamal Ajjane, Labour Party

No bio supplied.

Ernest Mallett, The Molesey Residents Association

Ernest and his wife Brenda, are a well known Molesey couple who have been resident in Molesey for 48 years and brought up 5 children, who all attended local schools and the Esher Sixth Form College.

Ernest worked for two major companies in the electronics industry and then ran his own electronic manufacturing business in Molesey for 17 years. Brenda is a teacher who taught in the tough dockland of London and then ran her own Nursery school in Molesey which started a lot of Molesey children in their education.

Ernest is an ex-Elmbridge councillor who had spells as the...(cut at the 100th word as it exceeded the limit).

David William Nickerson, Liberal Democrats

David has lived in Elmbridge for over 30 years and believes that the Liberal Democrats have a huge opportunity to make a difference in Molesey. David is standing as a County candidate to fight to give opportunity to everybody in the community.

He will work to maintain and improve the quality of life for everyone in Molesey and ensure that the perfect storm of the pandemic and Brexit does not leave people behind. He will also prioritise action on Climate Change.

Charu Sood, Conservative Party

Charu believes in community and lets her actions do the talking. She has been active through the pandemic supporting Molesey residents by delivering Meals on Wheels, helping at the Molesey Foodbank, volunteering at the vaccination centre, cooking for the homeless at Night Shelter project in Molesey, and assembling a team of volunteers to sew PPE.

Charu is already an experienced borough councillor and at Surrey she will secure repairs for local roads and address residents' concerns around safety, in relation to street lighting.

Weybridge

Tim Oliver, Conservative Party

When I had the privilege to be elected to represent Weybridge at Surrey County Council, I pledged to do something about the roads. Many of the main roads through the town have now been resurfaced as well as the pavements. I will continue with that pledge.

We must see the rebuilding of the medical facilities as soon as possible as well as redeveloping the library site into a community hub. This is a fantastic opportunity to create a campus of outstanding community facilities and I am pressing for the plans to be shared with residents this Summer.

Helen Clare Pilmer, Labour and Co-operative

No bio supplied.

Ashley Richard Tilling, Liberal Democrats

Ashley is a recently retired teacher who has lived in Weybridge with his wife and two children for over 17 years. He has been an Elmbridge Borough Councillor since May 2019, serving on both the South Area Planning Sub-Committee and on the Energy and Sustainability Working Group.

He has been instrumental in securing a trial of two new recycling facilities for food and drink cartons (e.g. Tetra Pak-type) in Walton and Weybridge. Ashley’s priorities as a County candidate include climate change and the environment, better public transport and cycle routes and elderly care.

Nicholas David Wood, Independent

Local Conservative councillors approve as many homes as Westminster Tories tell them Perhaps they can tell us how to redecorate, then try to get the taxpayers to pay for it too - just like Boris in Downing Street!

I promise to vote against any building on green belt. But only on ex industrial land (’brown ield’) instead.

Dire services?
Woeful bus frequencies?
Umpteen potholes (I know, I cycle to work)?
Poor schools?
All Tory failings.

I’ll install a complaint form on the council website so we voters can comment directly - thus very visible to the public.

If any candidates would like to add their missing biography to this list, please email william.bradley@reachplc.com