The councillors who will run the newly created East Surrey Council have been chosen.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Wotton said: “Our immediate responsibility is to build a strong, effective and financially sustainable new council that works for communities across East Surrey.”<\/p>\n
The two new unitary authorities for East and West Surrey will replace the county, district and borough councils in 2027.<\/p>\n
‘Amazing opportunity’<\/p>\n
The party said it would begin working to build its future as part of local government reorganisation<\/a>.<\/p>\n 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.”<\/p>\n The Lib Dems took control of both East and West Surrey Councils<\/a> in this month’s elections.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Previously Surrey County Council was run by the Tories.<\/p>\n On Wednesday the Conservative groups at East and West Surrey Councils announced their new leaders<\/a>.<\/p>\n Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook<\/a>, on X<\/a>. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk <\/a> or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.<\/p>\n More on this story