Surrey families know the real story behind Conservative claims
Surrey's Conservative leader is trying to rewrite history as his council faces dissolution - but families across our county know the real story of Tory failure
20 Jun 2025
Runnymede Liberal Democrats
Working Hard for Runnymede All Year Round
Local News
New £1.3 million fund puts Runnymede communities in control of local improvements
Runnymede Borough Council has launched an exciting new £1.3 million fund that will directly benefit local residents through improved infrastructure and enhanced public spaces across the borough.
11 Jun 2025
Putting care at the heart of politics: Ed Davey's message resonates in Runnymede
How the Liberal Democrat leader's deeply personal approach to politics is already making a difference locally
29 May 2025
Runnymede Council meetings now live streamed: A win for transparency
After years of advocacy by Liberal Democrat councillors, Runnymede Borough Council has finally introduced live streaming for council meetings, making local democracy more accessible to residents across the borough.
21 May 2025
Financial Inclusion Project transforms lives in Runnymede
Runnymede Borough Council's innovative financial inclusion project has delivered remarkable results since its launch in April 2024, helping vulnerable residents manage debt while recovering in excess of £1.5 million for the council.
10 May 2025
Runnymede Council supports 3 Unitaries for Surrey in reorganisation plans
The Government has prioritised a major shake-up of local government in Surrey that would see Runnymede Borough Council and Surrey County Council replaced by new "unitary authorities."
26 Mar 2025
Surrey County Council News
Cabinet Minister tells Surrey - Bin the Tory Tip Tax
Liberal Democrats have welcomed the news that the Conservative Secretary of State for the Environment Food & Rural Affairs, Andrea Leadsom MP, has called upon councils to scrap their charges for disposing of household waste at Community Recycling Centres (CRCs). Conservative-run Surrey County Council brought in the unpopular charges in September 2016 despite massive opposition from Liberal Democrat county councillors and residents. Cllr Stephen Cooksey, Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Environment & Highways, said today: "I have written to the Secretary of State asking her when the household waste charges in Surrey will be scrapped. She has been very clear in setting out her position but when will her Tory colleagues in Surrey get the message that these charges have to go?". NOTES
10 Apr 2017
Lib Dems call for a fresh start for Surrey in the County Council elections
Surrey Liberal Democrats have unveiled a full slate of 81 candidates across every division in Surrey to take on the Conservative-administration at County Hall in May's elections - the only opposition party to do so. Cllr Hazel Watson, Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Surrey County Council, said today: "I am delighted that we are fielding such a strong set of candidates for the County Council elections in May. We need a fresh start in Surrey and an end to the 'crisis management' at County Hall, which has resulted in the 15% council tax fiasco, £123m of cuts to services, 'gentleman's agreements', secret recordings and leaked text messages, all of which saw Surrey in the newspapers and TV bulletins for all the wrong reasons. Liberal Democrats led the successful campaign to stop the 15% council tax increase proposed by the Conservative administration at County Hall. We will continue to oppose any future attempts to impose such a large council tax increase on Surrey residents. "Liberal Democrat candidates acro
6 Apr 2017
Tory Minister in House of Lords confirms DIY waste should be disposed of for FREE
Liberal Democrat county councillors in Surrey are delighted that following a question in the House of Lords by Lib Dem Environment spokesperson Baroness Kate Parminter, it has again been confirmed that DIY waste should be disposed of for free.
5 Apr 2017
Lib Dems condemn poor rates of return and secrecy as Surrey County Council bets the house on property investment
Liberal Democrats have condemned proposals for Surrey County Council to dramatically increase its property investment portfolio of commercial buildings , whilst at the same time removing the opportunity for scrutiny before decisions are taken. Currently, proposals to purchase commercial properties are brought before the county council's Cabinet for decision, albeit in private, whereas under the new arrangements the Cabinet would receive information on purchases after the decision has been taken.
28 Mar 2017
Surrey Lib Dems attack “brutal” Tory cuts as millions are slashed from services
Liberal Democrat councillors have strongly criticised the Conservative-run County Council's plans to axe millions from essential services for Surrey residents, which were finally revealed today.
28 Mar 2017
STATEMENT FROM CLLR HAZEL WATSON ON SURREY'S DECISION TO GIVE NOTICE TO QUIT THE LGA
Commenting on the news that Cllr David Hodge has unilaterally given notice for Surrey County Council to leave the Local Government Association (LGA) in a year's time, Cllr Hazel Watson, Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Surrey County Council, said today: "I am appalled by this decision. The Local Government Association is the key organisation within local government which enables the county council to lobby central government and make its case for resources and funding. The LGA has helped Surrey to save money, enabling the county council to recover millions of pounds back after the Icelandic banking crash. The county council needs a voice at the top table and this short sighted move takes that voice away. Only three councils in the country are not members of the LGA, so we are moving from the membership of a large and influential group to an isolated position on the fringes. "Cllr Hodge should have consulted widely within the county council before even considering such a rash and intemperate move. Yet again
28 Mar 2017
UK Lib Dem news
International Affairs
Taking on Trump
Only the Liberal Democrats will stand up to Trump, invest in the UK’s security, support Ukraine, hold back Russia, deepen our ties with European and commonwealth partners, and stand up for liberal, British values.
CM
by Calum Miller
22 Mar 2025
LGBT+
Free To Be Who You Are
As liberals, we believe that true equality is achieved when individuals are not only free from prejudice and discrimination, but also free to fulfil their potential. So fighting for LGBTQ+ rights is not a choice Liberals make.
CJ
22 Mar 2025
Latest UK News
Making Britain a science superpower
The Liberal Democrats' bold plan to restore UK leadership in science and innovation will drive investment, boost global collaboration, and ensure technology benefits everyone, not just the privileged few.
VC
22 Mar 2025