Count Underway in Guildford for this Historic Local Government Election

Published on: 8 May, 2026
Updated on: 8 May, 2026

12.54pm

12.42pm

It is clear that the voter turnout for a local election in the Guildford area is up, estimated at around 45 per cent. Of course this still means that fewer than 50 per cent of voters exercised their right to vote.

12.37pm

A member of the Labour team said that from his experience of talking with voters on the doorstep, more people were voting against a party rather than for a party. Some were against Reform, some were against the Greens, others were against the Labour Government in particular.

Bob Hughes, Conservative candidate in Shere, said he was confident of his party’s victory in that ward.

12.22pm

Observers believe the voter turnout was higher than at previous local elections. It has been suggested that many were motivated by national issues and not just purely local ones.

However, Catherine Young (R4GV) said local issues were important for many. Voters in Ripley mentioned the Wisley development, citing their concerns about speculative development and lack of infrastructure and highways.

Graham Drage, chair of Reform UK Guildford, said his party found that national issues were raised by voters on the doorstep. He said voters were motivated by subjects such as immigration, national debt and a business friendly environment. Local issues were also raised in equal measure.

11.58am

Graham Drage

Graham Drage has told the Dragon that his estimate of six seat gains in Guildford might have been optimistic but he has been encouraged by his party’s results nationwide and believed the political dial is shifting.

Lib Dems are being tight-lipped despite the favourable position they appear to be in. We suspect they have been briefed not to speak to the press for some reason, which reflects behaviour seen in the past.

The count underway

11.35am
As local government is being radically changed today the count is underway at Spectrum Leisure Centre, Guildford.

The large hall, in the lower level, is crowded with tellers already counting ballot papers to reconcile numbers of votes cast and party representatives scrutinising the count. All will be watching as the bundles for each party grow.