Meet Your By-Election Candidates: Richard Eggleton for Labour

Published on: 13 Oct, 2025
Updated on: 14 Oct, 2025

Richard Eggleton

The upcoming by-election for the Surrey County Council Guildford South-East division will be held later this week, Thursday October 16, following the resignation of Cllr Fiona Davidson of R4GV.

The Guildford Dragon asked the standing candidates about their policies and perspectives.

This is what Richard Eggleton, the Labour Party candidate, had to say…

Why should the voters of Guildford South East vote for you and your party?

“Guildford South East deserves more than empty promises and status quo politics.

“You deserve real change-and with Labour, you’ll get a party putting people before profit, fairness before privilege, and community before division.

“With your support, I will be your dedicated voice for Guildford South East – fighting for the things that matter most to you.”

Should voters consider national issues in a county council by-election?

“County Council by-elections are firstly about local issues that the council has direct control over, like roads, schools, social care, housing, waste, libraries and local planning.

“National issues do influence voters and areas. National priorities overlap and do connect to local needs. National policies on funding and taxation trickle down and affect what local councils can deliver.”

What are the three main issues in the Guildford South-East division?

1. Housing and Development

“Large numbers of houses needed to keep up with demand. Pressure between preservation of green belt land in preserving heritage/environmental vs growth.”

2. Traffic, Congestion and Air Quality

“Major corridors like the A3 cause delays, noise and contribute notably to poor air quality. Communities see this as a health risk.”

3. Governance, Oversight and Public Trust

“Financial management concerns, overspending by Guildford Borough Council, particularly around housing maintenance contracts.”

What qualities would you bring to the role of county councillor?

“I am honest and approachable, promising to listen to your local concerns. Working with my community to negotiate fair and practical solutions, endeavouring to be transparent, accountable and focused on the issues that are considered most important.”

What is your view of the local government reorganisation proposals? Do you think unitary authorities are preferable to the existing system and will truly save money?

“Supporting Surrey residents survey in the creation of three unitary councils hopefully proving to be more cost effective, enabling a greater focus on service delivery, accountability and alignment with established community and economic identities.”

How important are environmental issues to Guildford?

“Environmental issues are tied directly to daily life (traffic, housing, health, flooding) and for many voters a top concern.

“The A3 and busy town roads produce high levels of nitrogen dioxide having health implications (especially children and elderly people).

“It’s important to residents to protect greenbelt land from overdevelopment. Renewable energy, insulation, recycling and reduced car dependency will all help to maintain a cleaner environment.”

Is there a single improvement Surrey Police could make to law enforcement locally?

“Improving visibility and response times.

“More community policing presence on the ground, and not just cars on patrol. Residents feel the police are “invisible” unless there is a crisis.”

Can you promise to put your constituents first, before any party loyalty?

“Yes, if you want real change, value for money, and a councillor who will fight for you and your local community needs without letting party politics interfere with local concern. Please vote Labour in Guildford South East.”

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