Local Elections 2024
Runnymede Liberal Democrats have 11 candidates standing in the Local Borough Elections this year, as well as supporting Paul Kennedy, the Liberal Democrat Candidate for the Surrey Police & Crime Commissioner.
Our Borough candidates are:
Stuart Lawrence - Addlestone North
Theresa Burton - Addlestone South
"I have lived in Runnymede for over 12 years. I campaign vigorously on local planning enforcement issues and have been active in advocating and safeguarding community assets, the local environment and protecting the greenbelt. Recently I secured a Tree Protection Order across the site of Christ Church, Longcross. I worked for over 30 years in the financial services and technology sectors."
Liam Elvish - Chertsey Riverside
Annabel Jones - Chertsey St Anns
Annabel Jones grew up in Chertsey and now, having earned degrees from Oxford and Harvard, has a successful business career. She is widely travelled and is keen to contribute to Runnymede's governance as a Liberal Democrat
Ian Heath - Egham Town
"I have lived in Egham for 31 years. I was a manager at British Airways. Now retired, I am a Member Nominated Trustee Director of its Airways Pension Scheme (APS), run an allotment at Boshers in Egham and am a member of the Egham United Services Club (often serving beer at its festivals) I want Surrey and Runnymede to have a better representative mix of political parties and believe a Liberal Democrat council presence, when given the chance, has generally improved the efficiency and service of local government in the UK."
Kevin Lee - Longcross, Lyne & Chertsey South
Kevin Lee has lived in Chertsey for nearly 20 years. Before retiring he was head of IT at an international courier company. He is currently the Chair of Brooklands Museum Members Club, which has thousands of members and works in support of the museum. He is passionate about local history, keeps chickens and is a 4th Dan black belt in Aikido. Kevin cares deeply about the natural environment and the need to both protect and improve it locally. Kevin said “I passionately believe in fairness and equality, in kindness and compassion, and in politicians delivering on the promises they make to improve the world around them, rather than their own lot at the expense of others. This is why I truly, honestly believe that a strong Liberal Democrat presence is vital for Runnymede Borough Council to provide an effective opposition and ensure we create a stronger, more unified community, together.” If elected Kevin will work alongside Cllrs. Don and Sylvia Whyte to represent residents in Longcross, Lyne & Chertsey South. They both said “Kevin will make a great Councillor and stand up for local residents”
Ken Graham - New Haw
Ken Graham has lived in New Haw for many years. A veteran campaigner, he was a New Haw councillor for 22 years with a reputation as an active and outspoken advocate for local residents. Both our local Councils - Runnymede and Surrey - have been under Conservative control for decades. They have got complacent and left our community feeling neglected and put-upon, with seemingly endless new development, traffic problems and pollution affecting our quality of life. Our roads and pavements are a total disgrace with far too little investment over the years. After over 20 years of Conservative Councillors in our area, people have really noticed the positive difference having a LibDem elected has made over the last year. Electing Ken will double the New Haw Focus Team's strength on the Council, working alongside Cllr Mike Smith, enabling us to achieve even more for our community. A larger and stronger Liberal Democrat group will really make a difference to the Council, seeking to make it greener and more responsive to the real needs of residents. KEN and MIKE will continue to listen and talk to New Haw residents throughout the year, keeping everyone informed with regular FOCUS newsletters delivered to every household
David Charlton - Ottershaw
Cheryl Smith-Wright - Thorpe
Cheryl – Smith- Wright has lived in Thorpe for the past 18 years, mainly commuting into London where she is a lawyer. She grew up in Kenya followed by eight years in Australia and Japan. Her membership of the Liberal Democrats dates back to 2016 and was mainly triggered by her son's enthusiasm for the party and his involvement in the Brexit referendum. Her political beliefs have been largely aligned with the Party for many years. She believes that local issues should be dealt with by local people. Her spare time is taken up by trying to write the Great British Novel (with very limited success), baking gluten-free goodies and walking her two large and rather energetic dogs.
Karin Rowsell - Virginia Water
Karin has lived in Virginia Water for over 40 years and has worked locally as both a teacher and headteacher. Karin has served as an active member of the Local Community, formerly on the Committee of Virginia Water Pre-School, Christchurch PTA and as governor of St Ann’s Heath Junior School. In addition, she has helped re-establish Stroude Residents’ Association, introduced a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme and initiated a Community Speed Watch group to help establish a safer community in Virginia Water. As a local resident Karin shares the same concerns as you. She has been campaigning locally on issues including tackling speeding, stopping gravel extraction and protecting our green spaces. Commenting ahead of the local elections, Karin said “The Conservatives have taken Runnymede for granted for too long. I am asking for your vote in these elections so I can provide a stronger voice on the council where I would work with the existing Liberal Democrat councillors to make Runnymede a better place to live for everyone.”
Jenny Coulon - Woodham & Rowtown
"I've lived in Runnymede for over 20 years, working mainly in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sector. The Borough has seen many changes since I first moved here, but local politics remains very one-sided. I'd like our Council to better reflect the diversity of viewpoints, and encourage residents to be involved in the future of their neighbourhood."