May 2026 West Surrey County Council Elections – Shalford 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.

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?

Shalford Ward

Barbrooke, Adrian Ross Green Party

Profile not provided

Sallie Barker

Barker, Sallie Conservative Party

Sallie Barker was elected as Guildford Borough Councillor for Pilgrims Ward in 2023 and has become a strong voice for residents, challenging overdevelopment, improving road safety and investing in community projects.

Sallie brings over 30 years of leadership to public life, having built a distinguished career at Sport England and the Sport and Recreation Alliance, championing equality, diversity, and opportunity. A pioneer for women in sport, she was awarded an MBE in 2017. Sallie has a deep commitment to public service and served as a Territorial Army Officer for 20 years, is Chair of Guildford Institute, Guildford in Bloom and British Blind Sport. As Mayor of Guildford in 2024-2025, Sallie raised over £100k for local charities.

Crossley, Neil Robert Reform – Changing Politics for Good

I’m standing because local councils are failing on delivery, discipline and leadership.

Residents deserve better standards and clear accountability.

Roads and transport are not fit for purpose. I will push for faster, coordinated solutions.

Financial mismanagement must be tackled with transparency and tighter control. Strong leadership is needed to restore focus on delivering results, not excuses.

Residents before party? Yes. My priority is delivering for residents, not following a party line.

Cllr Matt Furniss

Furniss, Matt Conservative Party

Matt Furniss is the County Councillor for Shalford on Surrey County Council, a role held since 2017. He is Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth.

He was also formerly Deputy Leader of Guildford Borough Council until 2019. Matt serves on Guildford Borough Council representing Pilgrims ward.

In addition, Matt is a Governor at the Royal Surrey County Hospital and Ash Manor School, contributing to healthcare oversight and education leadership.

Educated in Guildford and a graduate of the University of Surrey in Politics and International Relations, he combines public service with a private sector career.

Jackson, Gary Richard Reform – Changing Politics for Good

After 40 years in security, policing and the military, I want to bring a focus on safety, order and practical decision-making to local government.

Residents want safe communities and sensible policies. I support stronger local enforcement and cutting unnecessary bureaucracy.

Money must be spent on priorities like local services and healthcare, not wasted. I also oppose blanket 20mph zones where they don’t make sense.

Residents before party? Yes. My focus will always be on what benefits local people.

Lockhart, Peter Labour Party

I live in Shalford and care deeply about our community. I’m standing because I want local government to listen to residents and act in their interests. I believe in fairness,
opportunity and protecting what makes our area special, while ensuring we get our fair share of support and investment.

The biggest concern is cost of living pressure, affecting families, older residents and those on fixed incomes. I will push for sensible council decisions that protect essential services and support vulnerable residents.

The second issue is transport and local services – unreliable rail services, deteriorating roads, and pressures on schools, SEND provision and youth services. I will hold the council to account and campaign for proper investment and maintenance.

I am standing as a Labour candidate because I believe in fairness, decency, and the responsibility to protect and support those who are most vulnerable. But my first duty will always be to the residents I represent. I will listen to residents, speak up for them, and make decisions based on what is right for the community, even when that means challenging my own party where necessary.

Mallet, Stephen Phillip Liberal Democrats

Dr Stephen Mallet worked for 35 years in consulting, international finance and investment in Britain and overseas. Since retiring, he has completed a PhD in History at UCL, where he taught undergraduates part time.

He is now a member of Hampshire Music Services’ Strategic Hub Board, a governor of Everest Community Academy in Basingstoke and a volunteer teacher of English as a second language.

He has lived in the parish of Compton for over 30 years and is currently chairman of Compton Parish Council.

Wade, Christopher Simon Green Party

Profile not provided

Williams, Dominique Louise Liberal Democrats

I am standing again as a candidate because serving our community as an elected councillor has been both a privilege and a deeply rewarding experience. In recent years, I have seen firsthand the difference dedicated local leadership can make, strengthening my commitment to continue this work.

As a former small business owner, I understand the challenges local businesses face and strongly believe in supporting and growing our community’s organisations. A strong local economy is key to a sustainable borough. I am passionate about improving women’s health awareness, ensuring vital information and services are accessible to all.

I also want to help create a borough where families thrive and feel safe, are properly supported, and where children have access to green spaces and opportunities to learn essential life skills. I want to build on the progress we have made in Guildford and continue working for a stronger, healthier, more connected community.