Paul Spooner Elected As Guildford Borough Council Leader

Published on: 11 Dec, 2015
Updated on: 11 Dec, 2015

Guildford Borough Council has a new leader, Cllr Paul Spooner (Con, Ash South & Tongham ward).

Cllr Paul Spooner the new leader of Guildford Borough Council.

He was elected at a meeting on Thuesday evening, December 9.

Cllr Spooner has been a borough councillor since May 2013 and says he promises an “open-style leadership that ensures local people understand the reasons behind the decisions the council makes”.

He added:: “I am very proud to be elected as the leader of Guildford Borough Council. We have some tough challenges ahead and we need to make the most of the opportunities to make a better future for everyone in our borough.

“Whether it’s in Guildford, one of our villages, or more rural areas we have a responsibility to help provide jobs, homes and an environment that improve people’s prosperity and prospects.

“We face a situation where local families, young people and those in lower-paid jobs doing essential work can no longer afford to live in our borough.

“I was born in Guildford and have lived locally most of my life; we have to plan now to make sure everyone, whatever their circumstances, has the same opportunity to flourish. My aim is to make sure that the interests of local people remain at the heart of all we do.”

Issued in a council statement, Cllr Spooner identifies several key areas of focus: balancing the needs of town, villages and the countryside; delivering local infrastructure changes and much-needed homes; improving the lives of people in less advantaged areas of the borough; and providing great services for Guildford residents that are value for money.

He was appointed to the council’s Executive in 2014, initially responsible for licensing and governance.He took over the planning and regeneration portfolio earlier this year.

He is also the vice-chairman of Ash Parish Council and chairs its finance and administration matters.

The council statements adds that: “Paul has over 20 years commercial experience and has worked abroad as well as in the UK. He balances his family, working and council life with his interest in football and education. He is chairman of the North East Hants Youth League and a past governor at Waverley Abbey CofE Junior School and Ash Manor School.”

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