Cllr Caroline Reeves

Reaction to the shock resignation of Lib Dem leader Cllr Caroline Reeves continues to pour in from colleagues and political rivals alike.

Joss Bigmore, leader of the council and the Residents for Guildford & Villages group:

“After having given so much to Guildford over the years, Caroline will be sorely missed. She thoroughly deserves all the tributes flooding in, and it’s a lucky place indeed that will be her next home.

Cllr Joss Bigmore

“On a personal note, Caroline has given me incredible support at Guildford Borough Council and the Executive will miss her wise counsel. As to what happens next, that’s a question for the Liberal Democrat Group.

“For now, let’s focus on saying thank you to Caroline and wishing her and her family well for their new adventure. Guildford’s loss is glamping’s gain.”

Sallie Barker, chair of the Guildford Conservative Association:

Sallie Barker

“Guildford Conservatives thank Cllr Caroline Reeves for her service to the town and people of Guildford.

“For more than 17 years she has demonstrated a great sense of community and public service, which the Liberal Democrats may find hard to replace.

“We wish Cllr Reeves well in her new life and great success in her business ventures.”

Ramsey Nagaty, leader of the Guildford Greenbelt Group:

“GGG wishes Caroline Reeves a well-earned retirement from GBC politics and all the best for her new adventure with her family.

Cllr Ramsey Nagaty

“Many will bear tribute to the tremendous efforts she co-ordinated as leader of GBC at the outset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Her deeply-held concern for the health and welfare of residents was clearly demonstrated and has to be applauded.

“Caroline brought a depth of experience to what was a new administration yet she continued to steer the GBC in much the same direction as the previous discredited Conservative administration, who had foisted the Local Plan on Guildford during a purdah period.

“Her desire to support officers, while at first sight laudable, entrenched the direction of the council and has made it more difficult to achieve many of the aims residents voted for at the last election. The council should set the policy, officers carry it out and councillors scrutinise.

“We hope Caroline has a happy retirement and that there is now an opportunity to change the council’s direction.”

Cllr Angela Gunning

Angela Gunning, leader of the Labour group:

“Caroline has made a courageous decision to follow her dream and I admire her for it. I will miss her greatly. She has been a valued friend and colleague for me. Her integrity and good sense contributed so much for the benefit of Guildford residents and to council business.

“Whoever becomes new Liberal Democrat leader will find her a very hard act to follow.”

Cllr Gordon Jackson

Gordon Jackson, Independent (formerly Conservative) borough councillor for Pirbright

“I wish Caroline and her family all the very best for the future.

“Despite being in different parties we have always been the best of friends and her commitment to her residents and to Guildford has been outstanding.

“She has been an amazing councillor and will be sadly missed.”

 Martin Giles, editor of The Guildford Dragon NEWS: “The praise for Caroline Reeves from right across the political spectrum is not surprising, although sometimes qualified. We do not have to share every belief or agree with every decision and policy to recognise outstanding human qualities.

“Caroline Reeves is a truly good and decent person with a huge capacity for care and compassion which I have witnessed first-hand.

“When alerted to a situation by The Dragon, of a family flooded out of their home in Walnut Tree Close at Christmas and council services initially unobtainable, on the spot she arranged hotel accommodation she was prepared to pay for (and she is not the wealthiest councillor, I hope she does not mind me saying).

“Caroline has served our community with dedication and selflessness. The best of luck to her in her new adventure.”