New Leader of the Opposition at Waverley

Published on: 17 May, 2024
Updated on: 19 May, 2024

Cllr Jane Austin

Jane Austin becomes leader of the opposition following an unopposed election by Conservative councillors.

Cllr Austin, who represents the ward of Bramley & Wonersh, is now leader of the second biggest party group at Waverley Borough Council.

Cllr Austin, who was elected as a councillor in March 2023, was appointed the leader of the Conservative councillors in the borough following a unanimous vote.

Cllr Carole Cockburn, who represents the Farnham Bourne ward, remains the Conservatives’ deputy leader.

This is the first time Waverley’s Conservative councillors have been led by two women.

Cllr Austin takes over as leader from Peter Martin, the councillor for Godalming Holloway ward, who was happy to hand over.

Peter Martin, the outgoing opposition leader at Waverley Council, with his replacement Jane Austin.

Jane Austin said: “Peter’s been an excellent leader and I’m very grateful for everything he’s done in the last year. My mission is to hold the Lib Dem-led administration accountable for the decisions they have made — most recently the disastrous merger-by-stealth with struggling Guildford. I want to move us forward. Waverley demands better.”

Carole Cockburn, Conservative councillor for Farnham Bourne, said: “Jane has proven her skill in the council chamber and when dealing with major situations in Bramley and Wonersh over the last year. She works extremely hard on behalf of Waverley residents and I look forward to seeing her holding the Lib Dem administration to account. I wish her every success.”

At Waverley, Cllr Austin sits on the Overview & Scrutiny and Planning committees. She is also the founder of Bramley Helping Hand, a local charity, sits on Bramley Parish Council, and has been chairman of Bramley village fete since 2017.

She trained as a chartered surveyor and specialised in UK commercial and international investment. She holds a postgraduate diploma in law and property valuation from Bayes Business School, formerly known as Cass Business School. She has lived in Bramley for 11 years and has four children.