Surrey Shambles: Conservatives lose majority control of county council after historic Lib Dem by-election win

EMBARGO: Immediate Release

Today, the Liberal Democrats are celebrating an historic by-election win in Hinchley, Claygate and Oxshott which has left the Conservatives in a “shambles” and without majority control of Surrey County Council for the first time since the 1990s.

After winning six parliamentary seats at the last General Election, the Liberal Democrats are building serious momentum and are poised to make additional gains at the local elections in Surrey next year.

The Conservative administration delayed the local elections from May 2025 until next year.

Commenting on their victory, Paul Follows, leader of the Surrey Liberal Democrats said:

“This result proves that the people in Surrey see the Conservative Council for what they are - a shambles. From mismanaging finances to cutting vital public services, residents  have had enough.

“Instead, people are turning to the Liberal Democrats - they know that we are the only party that will properly listen to local communities and deliver on what they need.”

Monica Harding, Liberal Democrat MP for Esher & Walton added:

“Andy Burton will be a great councillor and his local and professional experience will be a huge asset in sorting out the failures of Conservative Surrey  - from the £2 billion debt, some of the highest numbers of potholes in the country to the failure of Surrey of children with special educational needs.

“After years of Conservative failures it’s no wonder residents are fed up and turning to the Lib Dems to fix things. We are a force to be reckoned with in Surrey and we intend to finish the job at the local elections next year.”

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

Results can be found here