Two Candidates Compete for Seat on Ash Parish Council

Published on: 21 May, 2025
Updated on: 22 May, 2025

By David Reading

The residents in Ash South will go to the polls on Thursday, May 29, to elect a new parish councillor. The by-election follows the resignation of Sara Badger, an Independent who was elected in June 2023.

Ms Badger cited health concerns as the reason for her resignation.

See: Councillor’s Resignation Triggers By-Election In Ash

There are two candidates standing – Conservative Naveed Mughal and Independent Sue Wyeth-Price.

In 2021, while living in south-east London, Mr Mughal was selected as the Conservatives’ candidate for the Glyndon ward in the Greenwich Council by-election. The seat was won by the Labour and Co-operative Party.

Since 2023 Mrs Wyeth-Price has been a member of Guildford Borough Council, representing Residents 4 Guildford and Villages (R4GV).

We asked each candidate for a brief pre-election statement and have presented them here in alphabetical order.

Naveed Mughal – Conservative candidate

Naveed Mughal – Conservative candidate

I’m a local resident in Ash, living with my wife and young children. I work in the accountancy sector, and outside of work, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my family and the community activities.

I care deeply about preserving the character of our local area, listening to residents’ concerns, and ensuring Ash remains a great place to live. I’m standing for the parish council because I believe in positive, practical action, working with residents to tackle local challenges and make sure our community’s voice is heard.

What are the biggest challenges Ash is facing?

I want to promote stronger community engagement by supporting local events and encouraging wider participation.

In Ash South, the lack of pavements in some areas and reports of speeding and rat running, especially near schools, are worrying. I’ll raise these concerns with the relevant authorities and support residents in reporting issues.

With recent developments, our green spaces have been reduced, so I’m committed to protecting what remains. Sometimes small changes, like more benches and bins, can make a big difference to the community’s wellbeing. Above all, I want to be accessible and responsive to residents.

What ideas do you have for changes that could benefit Ash residents?

I’d like to see stronger community engagement, and aim to do this by supporting community events, encouraging everyone to engage. Some places in Ash South do not have pavements and it concerns me to hear reports of speeding (especially around schools) and rat running.

What previous experience do you have of council or other political or community work?

Although I haven’t held a council position before, I bring professional experience managing complex projects, working with diverse teams, and delivering results. These can be projects around corporate and financial governance. I bring wealth of experience in the volunteering and delivering community related projects. These skills that are directly relevant to local governance. I’m motivated by public service and a strong desire to get things done.

Sue Wyeth-Price – Independent candidate

Sue Wyeth-Price – Independent candidate

Having lived in Ash Green for over 16 years, I have a strong connection with the local community. Married with five children and five grandchildren, I took early retirement and have since dedicated my time to supporting the community.

I was chair of the Ash Green Residents’ Association (AGRA) for five years, a position I held before being elected as a Guildford Borough Councillor for Ash South Ward two years ago. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, baking, and reading. I am not a fan of national party politics and firmly believe in the voice of local residents.

What are the biggest challenges Ash is facing?

The residents of Ash face significant challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, the need for greater investment in, and protection of, our parks and green spaces, limited access to GP appointments and antisocial behaviour. I believe in building on the positive efforts of local community groups to foster a more connected and engaged parish, and integrating our new housing estates into existing neighbourhoods is essential to building stronger, more cohesive communities.

What ideas do you have for changes that could benefit Ash residents?

I am confident that meaningful changes can address these challenges.

I’m currently working with councillors and local youth workers to provide support and opportunities for young people. Securing parks and recreational open spaces for current and future generations is crucial.

I’m collaborating with the parish team to create a neighbourhood plan that enhances and protects our local communities to contribute to a stronger, more cohesive environment.

Significant developments in the local area have generated funds and opportunities through S106 contributions (from developers), and I want to ensure these funds are spent in accordance with those agreements for the benefit of the community.

What previous experience do you have of council or other political or community work?

Having never been involved in national politics, I stood for election as a borough councillor to ensure residents’ views were heard, always keeping their interests at heart.

As chair of AGRA, I worked closely with Ash Residents Association and have successfully challenged Guildford Borough Council on behalf of residents. I represented AGRA at the Ash Manor planning appeal, organised AGRA meetings to keep the community informed, and ensured they had a voice in local plans.

Additionally, I ran local resident briefings to provide updates on projects such as the Ash road bridge and collaborated with other community groups to offer guidance on planning appeals and judicial reviews. As a borough councillor, I have been a member of both the planning committee and the overview and scrutiny committee, ensuring the council’s decisions are properly scrutinised.

I am standing for the parish council because, of all branches of local government, parish councils are closest to the residents they serve.