Letter: Let Me Set the Record Straight

Published on: 19 Feb, 2025
Updated on: 19 Feb, 2025

From Fiona Davidson

R4GV county councillor for Guildford South East

In response to: Despite Error My Letter Raised Serious Issues

It appears that Cllr George Potter is following the Donald Trump playbook with some gusto.

Sadly, I find myself – once again – having to correct Cllr Potter’s erroneous and inaccurate claims. In the era of post-truth politics I realise that facts are tedious, but let me set the record straight.

1. In his “campaigning” letter Cllr Potter introduced himself as the county councillor for residents in postcodes which are, and remain, in the Guildford South East Division, which I represent. He may not have thought that residents in those postcodes would be confused, but I received several comments/enquiries from residents about when the boundary changes had or were to become effective, and who their county councillor was. Residents thought the letter was a misrepresentation of the existing situation, as it so clearly is.

2. Far from being complacent and inactive about the flooding, as many residents in my division are aware, I have been in contact with Surrey Highways about Boxgrove Roundabout for some time. The solution awaits a decision on the roundabout redesign, and action from Thames Water, with whom I have also been in contact on this issue. If Cllr Potter is so concerned about the flooding perhaps he could have asked me about it, or directed residents to email me.

3. I have received only two emails in the past year from residents concerned about the state of the pavement along London Road. One was resolved in a few days, and I allocated some of my Highways allowance to have the other issue dealt with. Perhaps Cllr Potter could forward the other emails that he mentions?

4. I don’t think I am the person with the reputation for being rude and aggressive.

5. Cllr Potter is aware, at the emergency council meeting in January that the leader of Surrey County Council stated that he had decided to apply to join the local government reorganisation fast-track (which meant that elections in May were cancelled) before the meeting. Legally only the leader and Cabinet had the right to make this decision. The vote that was taken was not a decision-making vote. It was requested by 10 Councillors, and the outcome was not legally valid; it was “to note”. I believe councillors should have been allowed a decision-making vote, but we weren’t. The vote that was taken had no legal status and made no difference whatsoever.

6. Cllr Potter is also incorrect that the majority of the Residents’ Association and Independents Group abstained on the vote. It is a matter of public record that the majority voted against.

I am proud of my record of delivery for residents in my Division, which Cllr Potter has previously remarked upon, and I look forward to continuing this record.

Responses to Letter: Let Me Set the Record Straight

Angela Richardson Reply

February 20, 2025 at 6:24 am

I’m sorry that decent people like Fiona Davidson have to put up with this nonsense but it comes as no surprise. I would refer Cllr Potter to his own colleague Cllr Paul Follows’ remonstrations in The Dragon about honesty from elected representatives.

I note wryly though that it was only “elected” representatives. What the activists get up to in the name of the Liberal Democrats is quite frankly beyond the pale and the Lib Dems only cry foul play when they are in office and the focus is rightly turned on their dismal performance. Good at dishing it out and winding everyone up but can’t take it in return.

Angela Richardson is the former Conservative MP for Guildford
Derek Payne Reply

February 25, 2025 at 10:37 am

As chair of Boxgrove Park Residents’ Association, I have worked with SCC Cllr Fiona Davidson [R4GV, Guildford South East] on a number of issues, and have always found her to be well-informed, helpful, responsive, balanced and proactive.

Regarding the flooding at Boxgrove Roundabout, SCC Cllr George Potter [Lib Dem, Guildford East] should know that the issues have been awaiting decisions on London Road Active Travel. The only outstanding action here is for a proposed redesign of the roundabout, so all work can be carried out in one project. This makes sense. So his ire should be directed at SCC Highways, and not Cllr Davidson.

I agree 100 per cent with Angela Richardson’s comment.

I also await with interest the forwarding of emails re London Road pavements.

In similar style, Cllr Potter made comments about a London Road survey where he said it couldn’t be verified, but we offered (twice) to work with SCC and verify. Guess what – no response.

Maybe Cllr Potter should concentrate on representing local residents in his constituency in a balanced, positive and mature manner without playing party politics at every opportunity.

Two of our three local GBC Councillors are Lib Dem and, like Cllr Davidson, they represent us in a constructive and balanced manner. I would respectfully suggest that Cllr Potter would do well to learn from them.