Letter: We Need a Political Mix of Competent Councillors Prepared to Compromise

Published on: 3 May, 2026
Updated on: 3 May, 2026

From H Trevor Jones

In response to: There Will Be Other Budgetary Matters for the New Council to Address

At last Wednesday’s Guildford South West ward hustings in Onslow village, I thought all the candidates present (ie all except the second Reform candidate) sounded pretty decent folk. The Reform candidate could be commended for saying the most controversial things, but I simply couldn’t agree with his solutions to known problems such as the budget difficulties.

I actually gave the opening question from the floor to ask candidates how well they would work with other candidates from different parties, if elected, and got the impression from the answers that any of the Lib Dem, Green, Labour or Conservative candidates could work well with other parties, which is what I would look for, rather than a council solely containing people from any one party.

The important thing to me is to elect competent people who can contribute a range of ideas and agree to differ but compromise as necessary.

I would like to commend Tom Wolfenden standing as an Independent voice in Guildford South East. But I also hope that, notwithstanding the current dissatisfaction with the main historic parties, we electors won’t entirely throw out all past experience of running a council. So my suggestion to voters is to vote for one trusted past experienced councillor plus one promising newcomer from a different party if there’s no good Independent to vote for in your ward.

Responses to Letter: We Need a Political Mix of Competent Councillors Prepared to Compromise

Anthony Fraser Reply

May 3, 2026 at 12:59 pm

I agree with Mr Jones’ observation about ensuring we have a diversity of parties on the new unitary. Super majorities tend to stifle legitimate questioning and challenge especially where there is a political overlay.

I also like his suggestion – any existing district councillors elected to the new unitary will also have twice the work over the coming year so best to also introduce some fresh faces.
Angela Richardson Reply

May 3, 2026 at 6:40 pm

Politicians can work constructively cross-party. Where it goes wrong is when the dirty tricks playbook is pulled out, often centrally dictated or by those in the local political party who aren’t elected but are the behind the scenes – wannabe, machiavellian types, who love the game just a little bit too much, but never have to face either the public or any consequences. Their job os to win at any cost. Local councillors or candidates can say, “It wasn’t me!”

Once trust is fundamentally broken through lies, deceit and dodgy campaigns which can put the personal safety of politicians and their families at risk, it makes it incredibly difficult.

The sentiment is noble. The reality is brutal.

Angela Richardson is the former Conservative MP for Guildford.