New West Surrey Tories Appoint Their Leader

Published on: 12 May, 2026
Updated on: 13 May, 2026

Cllr Jane Austin

By Martin Giles

Newly elected Conservative councillors for the shadow West Surrey Council have elected the leader of the Conservative group at Waverley Council as their group leader.

With 20 seats, the Conservatives are the second biggest political group, so Austin also becomes the leader of the opposition to the Lib Dems who won 56 of the 90 council seats.

Commenting on the appointment, Cllr Austin said: “I am thrilled to have the support of colleagues to serve as leader of the new West Surrey Conservative Group. Collectively, we are an impressive and experienced team, united by a commitment to stand up for Surrey residents.

“We will work together to hold the decisions of the incoming administration to account, provide strong local leadership, champion our communities, and help shape the new West Surrey Council so it genuinely delivers for the people we serve.”

Cllr Jonathan Hulley

Cllr Jonathan Hulley who is the SCC Cabinet Member for Children and Lifelong Learning, has been elected deputy group leader. He is one of the two councillors elected to represent Thorpe, Longcross & Ottershaw Ward. Cllr Austin said: “As a senior councillor he brings a wealth of experience to this role.”

The statement said that: “Further announcements regarding the group’s priorities and leadership team will be made in due course.”

Fellow Conservative, Cllr Bob Hughes who, on Friday (May 8), was elected as  the member for Shere on the new council, said: “Jane was elected unopposed as Conservative leader.

“Group members were aware of her resilience and determination as our leader at Waverley and her successes at exposing overspending and in particular the Community Levy scandal where people building a small extension had outrageous sums demanded of them.

“She has high abilities which will hold the Lib Dem leadership to account on behalf of the people of West Surrey.”

Cllr Austin represents the Waverley Eastern Villages ward on the new shadow authority, and serves as Waverley Borough Councillor for Bramley & Wonersh ward.  She has led Waverley Borough Council’s Conservative opposition since 2024.

Austin trained as a chartered surveyor and specialised in UK commercial and international investment before becoming involved in politics. She has lived in Bramley for 13 years and has four children.

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