Dragon Interview: Guildford’s New Leader, Joss Bigmore

Published on: 7 Oct, 2020
Updated on: 9 Oct, 2020

Joss Bigmore addressing the GBC in January 2019

Two years ago no one in Guildford had heard of Joss Bigmore. He was just another resident.

He first came to press attention when he complained about the relatively minor issue of the borough council’s handling of Chantry campsite (see: Chantry Woods Proposal Was ‘Secretive’).

Unhappy with what he had found at Millmead, within a few months he had, with others, formed a political party “Residents for Guildford & Villages”, become its leader and secured an unprecedented result in a borough council election, winning 15 seats from a baseline of zero. It was as much of a shock to him as anyone else (see post-count interview here).

Now he has become leader of the “secretive” council about which, in January 2019, he was complaining.

Those of us that live in Guildford Borough should want to know more about him and how he will tackle his daunting “to do” list, so we asked him for an interview.

This is what he had to say to Martin Giles on some of the difficult challenges he faces: living up to his commitment to openness, the controversial issue of planning in Guildford; unitary authorities; and R4GV’s intentions for the Surrey County Council election next May.

It’s a longer than usual, 30-minute interview but we think it is worth taking the time to hear what Cllr Bigmore has to say…