Leaders chosen for newly created East Surrey Council

The councillors who will run the newly created East Surrey Council have been chosen.

Steve Wotton is the leader and Kirsty Hewens the deputy of the new Liberal Democrat-run unitary authority, which is set to hold its first full council meeting on Wednesday.

Wotton said: "Our immediate responsibility is to build a strong, effective and financially sustainable new council that works for communities across East Surrey."

The two new unitary authorities for East and West Surrey will replace the county, district and borough councils in 2027.

The party said it would begin working to build its future as part of local government reorganisation.

A spokesman added: "This is an amazing opportunity to get the basics right on key issues like roads, social care, special educational needs and housing."

The Lib Dems took control of both East and West Surrey Councils in this month's elections.

In East Surrey, the Lib Dems won 40 seats to the Conservatives' 10, with the Greens winning eight while Reform and independents filled the remaining seats.

In West Surrey, Lib Dems won 56 seats to the Conservatives' 20, with Reform picking up nine, and independent and residents' groups rounding out the council.

Previously Surrey County Council was run by the Tories.

On Wednesday the Conservative groups at East and West Surrey Councils announced their new leaders.

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