New Mole Valley District Council leader appointed

The council had been under the stewardship of Councillor Stephen Cooksey since 2019, during which time the member for Dorking South has led the administration through the Covid-19 pandemic, dealt with ‘major funding cuts’ from central government and introduced the new local plan that determines planning issues in the borough.

He confirmed his decision to step down as leader earlier this month saying he was proud of what was achieved during his spell.

Taking his place at the top of the council tree will be Liberal Democrat member for Leatherhead South, Cllr Bridget Kendrick.

Cllr Cooksey, who won his first seat on Mole Valley in 1992, said he had “developed a public perception of the council as a caring and listening authority and maintained and, whenever possible, improved the services that Mole Valley Council provides.

“That is a record in which the administrations that I have headed have some pride and the fact that residents have consistently approved these policies and the way in which we have carried out our responsibilities has been greatly appreciated.

“Leading a council is a massively time-consuming job, especially during a time of re-organisation, and I would like the opportunity to use my local government experience, developed over many years, to help establish the new councils in a way that will most benefit our residents.

“I have an ambition to serve on the new unitary authority and will be preparing for this transition whilst continuing to serve as a Mole Valley Councillor and a Surrey County Councillor.”

He thanked his colleagues and the officers at the council ahead of the new leadership team taking over following the Tuesday, May 20 annual general meeting.

Mole Valley, together with the remaining boroughs and districts -as well as Surrey County Council – are set to be merged into either one mega authority, or two or three large unitary councils.

This is expected to take shape over the next year with shadow elections taking place in 2026 for the new body.

The two systems are expected to run side by side for a year before the old councils are disbanded – meaning Cllr Kendrick could well be the last ever leader of Mole Valley.

Supporting the leader will be Cllr Claire Malcomson, as deputy leader.

Cllr Kendrick, said: “I am honoured to take on the role of the leader of Mole Valley District Council at such a pivotal time.

“Our new cabinet is united in its commitment to delivering the council strategy and ensuring that residents, businesses and communities in Mole Valley can thrive.

“The next two years will be crucial for ensuring we’ll get things right for Mole Valley during the Local Government Reorganisation to protect its’ heritage, identity and interests among the wider Surrey councils.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Cllr Stephen Cooksey for his outstanding service to Mole Valley and its residents.

As the longest-serving Leader in the district’s history, Stephen played a pivotal role in delivering some of our most significant projects, including the Local Plan, the Dorking and Bookham Masterplans, and the Service Transformation programme.

“It is a privilege to take the reins and lead Mole Valley District Council at this landmark point in its history.”