May 2026 West Surrey County Council Elections – Ash Ward

Published on: 1 May, 2026
Updated on: 1 May, 2026

Candidates for Local Elections May 2026 for West Surrey County Council – Guildford Area

The old SCC divisions have become the new West Surrey Council wards, each represented by two councillors.

Ash Ward

Each candidate was asked to respond to the following:

Why are you standing for election to the West Surrey County Council on May 7?
What are the two biggest issues in your ward? What will you be able to do about them?
Can you give your word that you will put your residents’ interests before those of your party?

Bellamy, Phillip Edward Liberal Democrats

Phil Bellamy is a long-standing resident of Ash dedicated to supporting local community youth organisations. As well as being an active youth mentor at the local secondary school, Phil is also chair of the Ash Youth club committee and qualified mental health first aider.

As well as his community work, Phil has first-hand experience of dealing with larger scale local finances. Since being elected in 2023 as a borough councillor, Phil has chaired 2 committees at Guildford Borough council and in January was selected to be a part of the executive as lead councillor for finance. Phil played a key role in passing a 2-year balanced budget for Guildford borough council.

Phil is campaigning to improve youth services in the area and has also been active in graffiti removal actions locally, sometimes often cleaning streets himself. Phil wants to work towards more long-term solutions locally graffiti action and youth service provisions.

Bolton, Andrew John Campbell Conservative Party

Andrew Bolton has served as a town and borough councillor with portfolio responsibilities for business development and the environment. He is an active volunteer, working with Sir Jeremy Hunt MP. His priorities include repairing local roads, taking a careful approach to housing development, and improving local transport, including step-free access at Ash Vale station. He has lived in West Surrey since 1987 and volunteers with local charities, including The Prostate Project. Andrew is committed to delivering practical improvements for residents across the Ash area.

Grondinger, Freya Christine Green Party

Profile not provided

Hodge, Laurence Dietrich Reform – Changing Politics for Good

After more than 50 years living in Guildford, I care deeply about the area and the standards we should expect from local government. My professional life has been spent in financial services, healthcare and consultancy; I’m used to working in environments where accountability, governance and delivering results really matter. I’m standing to bring that experience, discipline and common sense back into how the council operates.

The biggest issue is financial discipline. My background in governance and oversight means I understand how money should be managed, and I will push for full transparency and a focus on core services. Infrastructure is another priority. Roads, drainage and maintenance need proper coordination and standards so problems are fixed properly, not repeatedly patched. Residents deserve long-term solutions, not short-term fixes.

Residents before party? Yes. My decisions will always be guided by what is right for local residents.

Jewell, Lewis Frederick Simmons Labour Party

I live and work in the local area, and I want to see our community thrive.

Like many of you, I see the pressures people are under every day. The cost of living, stretched local services, and a sense that too often things just aren’t working as they should. After years of underperformance from the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats, it’s time for something better.

Labour is already delivering nationally, cutting NHS waiting lists, expanding childcare, improving workers’ rights, and bringing services like South Western Railway back into public ownership. Now we need that same focus here in Ash.

I promise to put residents needs front and centre. I want to be a strong local voice, focused on practical improvements, supporting families, and protecting our community spaces. You’ll have two votes. I’m asking you to use one to support Labour.

Kelly, Patrick Hugh Joseph Reform – Changing Politics for Good

Having lived in Ash Vale for over 20 years, I care deeply about our community and want to represent residents by listening and acting on their concerns.

Road conditions are deteriorating, including side roads. I will push for proper repairs that last.

I will support local businesses and protect green spaces from unnecessary development so they remain for the whole community.

Residents before party? Absolutely. Local people and their needs come first.

Manning, Nigel Independent

I am a retired Civil Servant and have lived in Ash for 36 years. I have also been a Local Parish Councillor for 26 years.

I am standing for election to the West Surrey Unitary Authority because, in recent years, Ash has become forgotten and is looking very uncared for. Streets are not swept, potholes remain unfixed for months and when they are filled, the workmanship is generally poor. The contracts for such works need to be tightened up to ensure value for money and that residents hard earned Council Tax is not wasted.

As an Independent Councillor I hope to cut through the prejudices of party politics to actually get things done, and to ensure that residents’ concerns are addressed and their communications answered, which according to many residents I have spoken too, is often not the case.

Morson, Carla Jane Liberal Democrats

Carla Morson is a long-standing Ash Vale resident dedicated to building a strong, supportive community for everyone. She has a proven record of helping local people, including through her work with the local foodbank, and continues to stand up for residents who need support.

Alongside her community work, Carla has volunteered with Citizens Advice, gaining first-hand understanding of the challenges facing individuals and families. She was elected as County Councillor for Ash and Parish Councillor for Ash South in 2021, and in 2023 was elected as Borough Councillor for Ash Vale.

Carla is campaigning to improve services for young people, older residents, and vulnerable groups. She is committed to protecting local green spaces, tackling environmental issues, and ensuring sustainable development. Her priorities also include better infrastructure, improved GP access, enhanced public transport, and safer roads—delivering the investment and services Ash Vale deserves.

Shahrum-Smith, Josh Green Party

Profile not provided

Tonks, John Kenneth Conservative Party

I am John Tonks, Conservative candidate for the Ash Division.

I have served as a local parish councillor for over ten years, working closely with residents to strengthen our community. I am strongly committed to local community life and enjoy planning and organising parish events that bring residents together.

My priorities include repairing local roads, engaging constructively on development, and improving transport, including step-free access at Ash Vale station. I also want a fairer deal for Surrey residents on council tax, ensuring better value for money. I will focus on practical, deliverable improvements that promote pride and community wellbeing in Ash.