Opposition leaders announced for new Surrey councils

The Conservative opposition groups at the newly formed East and West Surrey Councils have announced their new leaders.

The two new unitary authorities will replace the county, district and borough councils in 2027.

The opposition at West Surrey will be led by current Waverley Borough councillor, Jane Austin, while in East Surrey, the Conservatives have selected David Lewis, the current portfolio holder for finance at Surrey County Council, as the next group leader.

The Lib Dems, who won May's local elections, have yet to announce who will lead the two councils after big wins last week.

Leaders will be decided after new authorities first meet on 20-21 May, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Austin said: "We will work together to hold the decisions of the incoming administration to account and help shape the new West Surrey Council so it genuinely delivers for the people we serve."

Lewis added he would work to ensure the new East Surrey Council was "established with strong foundations".

In West Surrey, Lib Dems won 56 seats to the Conservatives' 20, with Reform UK picking up nine, and independent and residents' groups rounding out the council.

In East Surrey, the Lib Dems won 40 seats to the Conservatives' 10, with the Greens winning eight while Reform and independents filled the remaining seats.

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