Two Senior GBC Executive Members Step Down But Remain As Councillors

Published on: 16 Dec, 2025
Updated on: 16 Dec, 2025

Cllr Tom Hunt

With the demise of Guildford Borough Council looming, the deputy leader and the lead councillor for finance have both stepped down from the Executive for “a combination of work pressures and personal reasons”. Both resignations are effective immediately.

The borough council is due to be disbanded at midnight March 31 2027.

Unusually, news was only announced in an item on the Guildford Borough Council website with no accompanying press statement. Both councillors will remain borough councillors as backbenchers so no by-elections will be necessary.

As well as deputy council leader, Tom Hunt (Lib Dem, St Nicolas) was the lead councillor for Economy and Place. The Dragon has been told that he has gained a work promotion which will make more demands on his time.

Cllr Richard Lucas

But the reasons for the departure of Richard Lucas (Lib Dem, Ash Vale) are not known. He was the lead councillor for Finance and Property.

The GBC website states: “Under their leadership, both substantial portfolios have seen significant progress. Their leadership has strengthened the council’s financial position and driven forward regeneration projects, leaving the organisation in a stronger place.

“A new Executive will be announced in early January.”

The Leader of the Council, Julia McShane (Lib Dem, Westborough), said: “I am sorry to be losing councillors Tom Hunt and Richard Lucas from the Executive at this time, but I fully understand the reasons behind their decisions. I am extremely grateful for the time, commitment and hard work they have both given to their roles.”