Autumn by-election announced as Guildford councillor steps down claiming she could no longer 'do justice to the role'

Fiona Davidson has stepped down from her role at Surrey County Council saying she could no longer give the job the time and energy it needs in the run up to local government reorganisation.

She said: “Unfortunately, I did not feel that I could do justice to the role over the next 18 months in the run up to LGR.”

The former councillor, who represented Residents for Guildford and Villages (R4GV), said her resignation was a “very difficult decision” made for “personal reasons”.

Ms Davidson was elected in 2021 for a four-year term, which was due to end this May, but councillors have been asked to serve two extra years while the central government reorganises local councils.

Reflecting on her time in politics, she added: “I’ve seen the negative side of party politics at the local level.

“I firmly believe that party politics should have no role in local politics and that residents are best served by councillors whose only agenda is residents’ concerns and interests.”

The former councillor said she has been “privileged” to represent children and families as Chair of the Children and Families Select Committee.

She said: “I wish I could have done more. In particular, children with SEND and their families deserve so much better from Surrey County Council.”

Following the sudden resignation, a by-election has now been called for Thursday, October 16 for the Guildford South East division.

Would-be candidates are now invited to put their names in the mix.

The unexpected vacancy means another seat on the county council is up for grabs just a year after the last round of local elections.

The elected winner will join four other councillors representing Guildford on the council – all of whom are Liberal Democrats.

Campaigning is expected to kick off in the coming weeks with R4GV hoping to defend its patch and rival parties eyeing up the opportunity. Guildford Reform has already declared it will be fielding a candidate.

Nomination papers can be collected from the council during office hours and must be signed by local electors in the ward.