Lib Dem success in county by-election

Surrey Lib Dems are delighted to announce that a new Member will now be joining their opposition group on Surrey County Council.

In yesterday's by-election in Ashford Common and Sunbury Common division, prompted sadly by the untimely passing of Conservative councillor Alison Todd, Lib Dem candidate Harry Boparai defeated his nearest rival Naz Islam (Cons) by just 15 votes following a tense re-count.

In his campaign Harry focussed on the future of the former Sunbury fire station, crime in the local area and concerns about social care.

Will Forster, Leader of Surrey Lib Dems said: "This is great news for Harry and great news for the Lib Dem group on Surrey County Council. We were already the largest Lib Dem group on the County Council since 1997 following successes in the local elections in May 2021, when we increased our number to 14. We have not had a representative in this seat since 2017, so we are looking forward to working with Harry and supporting him in his new role in representing residents in Ashford Common and Sunbury Common division. This result shows that our messages are resonating with the electorate and I am particularly pleased that we now have representation in Spelthorne borough".