Guildford’s MP Welcomes Expected New Leader

Published on: 17 May, 2026
Updated on: 17 May, 2026

Cllr Paul Follows and Zöe Franklin MP

By Martin Giles

The Liberal Democrat MP for Guildford has welcomed her party colleague Paul Follows as the elected leader of West Surrey Shadow Council. He is expected to be elected leader at the inaugural meeting of the new council on Thursday (May 21) in Millmead.

In a statement, the MP Zöe Franklin said that the creation of the new council presented a big opportunity but also, “serious challenges including the £4 billion+ debt that it inherits on day one, children’s services that are failing vulnerable children and unsafe roads”.

Pointing out Follow’s track record, as a leader of Godalming Town Council, Waverley Borough Council and the Lib Dem group at Surrey County Council, she said: Paul is someone of great compassion and vision. He is clear that the decisions councils make have a material impact on individuals and communities.

“I will be be working in close partnership with Paul and West Surrey Council to ensure that. I will also be working to secure Government support so my Guildford constituents, and everyone across West Surrey, are not punished for the past mistakes of Conservative-run councils.”

Cllr Shaun McDonald

Deputy leader

I has also been announced that Cllr Shaun Macdonald was elected by the WSC Lib Dem group as their deputy leader and therefore is expected to become deputy leader of the new council.

MacDonald is a Surrey Heath borough councillor representing Lightwater.

With his election secured, the new council leader, Cllr Follows, will be selecting the up to eight councillors he wants to join him and McDonald on the council’s Executive.

Surrey is now divided into two unitary authorities east and West Surrey.

East Surrey

In East Surrey, where Liberal Democrats won over 75 per cent of the seats to take overall control of the shadow council, it was announced that they have voted for Steve Wootton as their group leader and Kirsty Hewens as his deputy.

Cllr Steve Wotton, Horley West & Sidlow & and Horley Town Council

Their appointments as leader and deputy leader of East Surrey Shadow Council are expected on Wednesday (May 20).

Wotton, said: “Residents across East Surrey voted for a fresh start. Our immediate responsibility is to build a strong, effective and financially sustainable new council that works for communities across East Surrey.

“There is a significant amount of work ahead as part of Local Government Reorganisation; as part of the transition we are committed to establishing a culture that puts residents first, is compassionate and fights your corner.”