Reactions to Julian Lyon’s Statement of Intent to Stand as an Independent

Published on: 18 Dec, 2018
Updated on: 18 Dec, 2018

Julian Lyon and Cllr Paul Spooner

The announcement by the chairman of the Guildford Society that he is to resign, so that he can prepare to stand as an Independent candidate in next year’s borough council election in May, has provoked an angry reaction from Council Leader Paul Spooner (Con, South Ash & Tongham).

Cllr Spooner took to Twitter to denounce Mr Lyon claiming the reason for the Guildford Society’s recent negativity was now clear. Paul Spooner also seemed to allude to Julian Lyon’s membership of the Guildford Vision Group despite two members of that group being selected by local Conservatives as candidates in next year’s election.

In later Tweets, he raised Julian Lyon’s employment by Savills, which has an interest in the development of the former Wisley Airfield, and accused Lyon of lying.

Mr Lyon responded by saying “Come on Donald, don’t be such a Trump!”

Julian Lyon

Today (December 18, 2018) The former Guildford Society chairman told The Dragon NEWS: “I have no intention of responding other than saying we are each entitled to our opinions.

“If I have reported a false impression or if I have ‘lied’, I am prepared to apologise, and to correct and acknowledge any such factual error; and if we are both standing for election to public office we both ought to be more careful what we say.”

Regarding his employment by property agents Savills he added: “There would occasionally be conflicts between my day job and my role, if elected, as a councillor and, as Cllr Spooner has pointed out on Twitter, there will be plenty of occasions when different parts of Savills are promoting a site or project for clients in the borough. I will always aim to avoid conflicts of interest, as indeed I am trained to do.”

Cllr Caroline Reeves

Caroline Reeves, GBC’s Lib Dem opposition leader (Friary and St Nicolas), responding to Julian Lyons initial statement said: “It is so frustrating, indeed depressing, when so much of our good work is overlooked or, if noticed, is treated negatively.”

“If this critic is elected, he will soon find out how we members are forced into the slow process of council business, our endless rounds of public consultations, all heavily constrained by the restrictions that form part of local government systems and protocol. Progressing anything within the council is always frustratingly slow and cannot be compared to the private sector in any way.

“This is not an excuse. It’s a stark look at our reality on the council.”

Cllr Angela Gunning

Labour Group leader, Angela Gunning (Stoke) also gave her opinion: “My view is that any member of the public can put themselves forward as a candidate.

“As a member of a political party, it is understood you agree with and accept – on the whole – the party’s policies. As an Independent, presumably, you can do what you like and inform the voters of your position on local and national issues at election time.”

The Independent Alliance issued the following statement: “Julian Lyon’s decision to stand as an Independent is good for Guildford’s democracy. He clearly cares about Guildford, has real planning experience and expertise and can bring independent thinking to our domineering Conservative leadership.

Cllrs Cross, Rooth & McShee – the “Independent Alliance”

Guildford councillors should not be tied to or driven by party politics or personal ambition. Proper representation of the community and residents on local issues is far more important.

Independent-minded candidates will not necessarily share all views. But we should share a common approach to major issues such as the future of our town centre, the need for more affordable housing and ongoing protection of Guildford’s green belt and villages.

More representation, consultation and involvement of our residents is vital for making the right decisions but current Conservative and Lib Dem councillors reject openness, transparency and proper governance.

Election of more Independent councillors like Julian would be a force for change and a genuine alternative to Guildford continuing as a one-party state.”