Guildford Society Emphasises Its Political Independence Following GGG Leader’s Comments

Published on: 7 Jan, 2019
Updated on: 9 Jan, 2019

In a letter to The Guildford Dragon NEWS, the Executive of the Guildford Society has reasserted its independence from party politics.

The letter comes in the wake of comments made by the leader of the Guildford Greenbelt Group, Susan Parker, in reaction to the announcement of a meeting by the new Residents for Guildford and Villages group that it is to hold a meeting to encourage more Independent candidates to stand at the borough council elections to be held in May.

Cllr Susan Parker

Referring particularly to Julian Lyon, who announced that he was to step down as chair of the Guildford Society to stand as an Independent councillor, Cllr Parker said: “But we think voters should look very carefully at candidates. Is Guildford Society (GSoc) truly independent?

“We recall: GSoc/GVG supported the Mansbridge/ Juneja Local Plan; Mansbridge appointed Julian Lyon to chair his forum to defuse dissent; GVG/GSoc committee members attacked GGG at hustings; Stephen Mansbridge has recently endorsed Julian Lyon. You believe in U-turns if you want to.”

Julian Lyon

Yesterday (January 6) Julian Lyon responded with his own letter. Emphasising the claimed political independence of both the Guildford Society and the Guildford Vision Group he said: “First of all, Guildford Vision Group (GVG) and Guildford Society (GSoc) are not party political campaigners. They are not standing in these elections and their independence should not be at issue.

“Both groups have to deal with whoever is elected. The membership of GVG includes Conservative Association members and Lib Dem members. Perhaps there are no Labour nor GGG members.”

Former council leader Stephen Mansbridge

And the former leader of Guildford Borough Council, Stephen Mansbridge added his comment: “It is important to note that Julian Lyon was asked to chair the Local Plan Forum because of his track record of independence, fair-minded and pragmatic approach to working with people who had very different views.

“His appointment was the result of a selection process and it is a shame that it was terminated.

“I have often disagreed with Julian on various subjects, but that does not mean that I would not welcome his participation. Again, I welcome his stand as an Independent and I am glad that people are rattled.

“For the record, I have a Jack Russell and am not fond of poodles.”

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