The new East Surrey Shadow Authority met for the first time on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, beginning the formal transition to East Surrey Council, due to launch on 1 April 2027.
Councillors from Elmbridge, Epsom and Ewell, Mole Valley, Reigate & Banstead, and Tandridge gathered to start shaping the structure, governance and priorities of the new unitary authority.
At the meeting, Councillor Steve Wotton was confirmed as leader of East Surrey Shadow Authority. He said the priority is to bring services together under one organisation and to create a council that is responsive, well-run, and able to deliver high-quality services to residents.
The Shadow Authority will replace previous joint committees and oversee the transition programme, supported by key governance arrangements, an implementation plan, committee structures, members’ allowances, and interim statutory officers. It will also help ensure decisions are lawful, transparent and ready for day one of the new council.
Key roles and appointments:
- Chair: Cllr Nick Dodds
- Vice chair: Cllr Neil Houston
- Shadow authority leader: Cllr Steve Wotton
- Shadow authority deputy leader: Cllr Kirsty Hewens
- Leader and cabinet executive member for transformation, digital and people: Cllr Steve Wotton
- Deputy leader and cabinet executive member for economy and regeneration: Cllr Kirsty Hewens
- Cabinet executive member for finance and resources: Cllr Andrew Burton
- Cabinet executive member for children’s services and education: Cllr Ashley Tilling
- Cabinet executive member for adult social care and health: Cllr David Buxton
- Cabinet executive member for transport, highways and infrastructure: Cllr Andrew Matthews
- Cabinet executive member for strategic planning and growth: Cllr Bradley Nelson
- Cabinet executive member for housing: Cllr Julian Freeman
- Cabinet executive member for leisure, culture and communities: Cllr Abhiram Magesh
- Cabinet executive member for climate, environment and waste: Cllr Claire Malcomson
- Interim head of paid service: Adam Chalmers
- Interim chief finance officer (s151 officer): Nikki O’Connor
- Interim monitoring officer: Daniel Bainbridge
These interim statutory officers will support the Shadow Authority while continuing to hold their current roles. Permanent chief executive recruitment is expected to begin in early summer, with appointments targeted by the end of July. The creation of East Surrey Council is part of Surrey-wide local government reorganisation aimed at simplifying services and strengthening local decision-making.
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