By Chris Caulfield

We might not have had the county council elections from which to gauge the political party standings, but in the east of Surrey, at Tandridge and at Nork, it was a good night for the Independents.

Article has been updated with Nork SCC by-election result. See below.

The Oxted and Limpsfield Residents’ Group celebrated a by-election triumph maintaining their popular position from last year’s council election.

The Oxted South poll was called after Chris Langton stepped down after moving away from the area.

The newly elected councillor, Mark Stringer

His seat will be filled by Mark Stringer, a senior lecturer at Birkbeck, University of London, who teaches about people, work and organisational psychology.

Fiona Davidson, the R4GV county councillor for Guildford South East, said she was “delighted” with the success of both Residents’ Association candidates in Tandridge and Nork and Tattenhams, which, she said “demonstrates the continuing strength of independents in Surrey.”

She continued: “Mark and Peter are impressive candidates and will continue putting residents’ interests and concerns first, just as R4GV councillors do.

Cllr Fiona Davidson

“We think Independents have a bright future, even with [the local government] reorganisation, but the future of local government in Surrey is difficult to predict because without government writing off Woking’s unsecured debt all the options for West Surrey are unsustainable. And sustainability is a key Government requirement for new unitaries.”

Cllr Stringer was elected after getting a whopping 69 per cent of the votes cast in the by-election held on Thursday (May 1). The hold leaves the Oxted and Limpsfield Residents’ Group (OLRG) on eight seats. Making up the Residence Alliance’ Group, Cllr Stringer joins the ruling party’s 20th seat on the council

Cllr Catherine Sayer

Catherine Sayer, leader of the council and member of OLRG, said: “After four years of a residents-run Tandridge District Council, we are really delighted to win with such a large majority. Thank you to everyone who has been so supportive and encouraging to Mark and the Residents Group during this campaign.”

The newest council member ran a campaign around planning and development issues as well as tackling anti-social behaviour. Cllr Stringer said he will prioritise “standing up against inappropriate development to protect the character and community feel of our area, taking planning enforcement action where necessary, ensuring more affordable and council housing provision and improving infrastructure”.

Cllr Stringer won a staggering 890 votes, with the other parties trailing behind. Out of a total of 4,413 eligible voters, only 1,289 (29.4 per cent) of people showed up to cast their ballot. Six ballots were also spoiled.

Cllr Stringer will now join the other two Tandridge District Councillors for Oxted South, OLRG’s Deb Shiner and Bryan Black, in representing the ward.

The final breakdown of the vote was:

• Ian Carter – Conservative Party – 217
• Pat Hunter – Labour Party – 109
• Rupert McCann – Liberal Democrats – 67
• Mark Stringer – Oxted and Limpsfield Residents – 890 (elected)

Surrey County Council by-election

In the SCC by-election it was another Independent success. The Residents Association held the Nork and Tattenhams by-election, while Reform UK, reflecting their successes elsewhere in the country moved up to second place after securing more votes than the Conservatives, Labour and Lib Dems combined.

The May 1 poll took despite elections being cancelled across the county so council staff could work on devolution plans to merge Surrey and its boroughs and districts – making this the only meaningful snapshot of the electorate to take place.

The seat became available after the former leader of the residents association, Nick Harrison, decided to call time on the council.

He had represented the area for 20 years having first been elected to represent Nork and Tattenhams in 2005.

Cllr Peter Harp

Taking his place will be fellow residents association member Peter Harp who secured a resounding majority of 54 per cent after receiving 2,084 votes when ballots were counted on Friday, May 2.

Cllr Harp was already a serving member for Reigate & Banstead Council on a platform of believing in the importance of the environment as well as, preserving and enhancing Nork.

Reform UK’s Elizabeth Cooper was the runner-up after 902 people put a cross next to her name – enough for a 23 per cent share of the vote.

Rounding out the rest of the results were Pamela Freeman of the Conservatives with 515.

Esme Wright of Labour on 167,  Mike Robinson, Liberal Democrats, 106, and  Alistair Morten, The Green Party, 93.

In all, there were 3,867 votes cast for a 32 per cent turnout.

The result does not change the political balance of Surrey County Council which remains under Conservative control with 44 councillors. The Liberal Democrats, and Resident Associations each have 16 councillors, with two Labour, two Green, and one non-aligned independent making up the opposition.

Results in full

• Peter Harp Nork and Tattenhams Residents’ Association 2084 54% Elected
• Elizabeth Cooper Reform UK 902 23% Not elected
• Pamela Freeman Conservative 515 13% Not elected
• Esme Wright Labour 167 4% Not elected
• Mike Robinson Liberal Democrats 106 3% Not elected
• Alistair Morten The Green Party 93 2% Not elected