May 2026 West Surrey County Council Elections – Shere Ward

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

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

Shere Ward

Hughes, Bob Conservative Party

Bob Hughes is the Surrey County Councillor for the Shere Division and a Guildford Borough Councillor for Tillingbourne.

He is an active campaigner on disability issues, having previously led the charity Sight for Surrey, supporting blind and deaf residents.

Bob works closely with the six parish councils across the division, regularly attending meetings and engaging on local issues affecting residents.

He moved from London to Farley Green 12 years ago and now lives at the Woking end of the division. Bob has four adult daughters and five young grandchildren.

Jellard, Chris Reform – Changing Politics for Good

I’m a local businessman with a practical, common-sense approach. I want to apply real-world experience to fix issues that affect residents daily.

Roadworks need proper coordination to reduce disruption. Potholes are a major issue, and repairs must be done properly and built to last.

I will also support local independent businesses which are vital to the community.

Residents before party? Yes. My focus is on practical solutions that work for residents.

Markey, James Paul Liberal Democrats

My name’s James Markey and I’m standing as one of the Liberal Democrat candidates for the Shere Division. I live with Bipolar Disorder and want to stand up for all our residents living with mental health issues and special needs.

I’m also the local business owner of “UNI SIM” which is now the UK’s No 1 manufacturer of haptic training simulators which meant I accompanied the Prime Minister on the India Trade Mission last year. With my business experience I aspire to help the new unitary authority “balance the books”, as well as protecting the good work done in Guildford.

I am also a motorbike rider (and thus pothole hater!) who you can easily spot out delivering because it’s bright orange. In my spare time I like to code passion projects, go clay pigeon shooting at Bisley and practice my French. I hope to meet you on the doorsteps soon.

Muller, James Martin Leo Labour and Cooperative Party

As the Labour & Co-operative candidate for Shere, I represent shared values. I am a British European, raised across Surrey—from South London to Woking, then Guildford.

Diagnosed at seven with Dyslexia and Dyscalculia, I’ve developed a forward-thinking approach to solving problems. Special Educational Needs support deeply matters to me.

In recent years, our Council services have struggled to meet today’s challenges: caring for the natural world, fostering self-reliant neighbourhoods, engaging differing views, strengthening our roads, ensuring clean waterways are free from privatised waste, and providing a healthy standard of living that doesn’t cost us our wages or the Earth.

Poor Conservative decisions and divisive politics should not define our future. Broader representation on West Surrey Council can realise our community values, together we can make real progress. I pledge to serve Shere and work closely with all six hardworking Parish Councils. Yesterday’s problems should not shape tomorrow’s opportunities.

Page, Cynthia Green Party

Profile not provided

Podany, Denis Reform – Changing Politics for Good

I’m standing because local government isn’t delivering the standard residents deserve. I’ve spent my life in jobs where if something goes wrong, you fix it properly—and you’re accountable when you don’t.

In Shere, two issues stand out. First, roads and infrastructure: potholes, drainage, and repairs that don’t last. I will make sure the people doing the work can actually do
the job properly, with clear standards and proper coordination so problems are fixed once, not repeatedly patched. Second, council finances. Too much money disappears into layers that don’t deliver.

I will challenge waste, focus spending on frontline services, and push for transparency so residents can see where their money goes. This council needs rebuilding properly, not patching.

Residents before party? Yes, I give my word that residents come first. If something isn’t right for Shere, I will say so and act on it.

Sena, Victoria Lisa Nadine Conservative Party

Victoria Sena lives in the heart of Shere and is actively involved in the local community through the Women’s Institute, choir, cricket club, and village club.

She began her career at the Bank of England and completed secondments to Whitehall and Parliament. Victoria has worked as a Chief Operating Officer and was formerly an FCA Approved Person. She now runs her own firm supporting businesses with governance, risk, and compliance. She is also a Non-Executive Director, charity trustee, and podcaster.

Victoria holds degrees from Oxford University and a Master’s in Public Administration from the LSE, and is passionate about supporting small businesses.

Turner, Martin Green Party

Profile not provided

Tyson, Jane Liberal Democrats

I am standing as the Liberal Democrat candidate for Shere Division because I believe in strong local representation, fair funding and giving communities a real voice in decisions that affect their lives. Too often, rural and village communities feel overlooked, and I am committed to ensuring Shere is heard.

With over 25 years’ experience in education and community engagement, I bring a practical, people centred approach. I believe in listening first, working collaboratively and taking action on the issues that matter most to residents, from cost of living pressures to protecting our environment and supporting local services.