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Local election polls open across Surrey

Zac SherrattSouth East
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People in Surrey are voting for councillors to represent them on two new unitary authorities

Polling stations across the county have opened for the 2026 local elections.

Voters are choosing which councillors they want to represent them on two new unitary councils in West and East Surrey.

The authorities, which are being created as part of plans to reform local government in England, will replace Surrey County Council and 11 borough and district councils.

People will be able to cast their votes from 07:00 until 22:00 BST. The results are due to be announced at 18:00 on Friday.

Surrey County Council and the borough and district councils will be abolished from April 2027.

The winners of Thursday's elections will take up their posts on the new councils from 1 April next year. In the meantime, they will be "shadow authorities".

Special committees have been set up to help prepare for the transfer of powers and responsibilities from the old councils to the new ones.

Anyone intending to vote in person will need to take an approved form of photo ID to the polling station.

We will be bringing you full coverage of results from across the South East throughout Friday.

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