Councillor defects to the Liberal Democrats

Councillor Paul Abbey, elected to Guildford Borough Council in 2019 for Residents for Guildford and the Villages (R4GV), has today announced that he is joining the Liberal Democrat council group and will be standing as a Liberal Democrat candidate in the council elections on Thursday 4th May 2023.

Speaking about the reasons for this change Paul Abbey said:

"For the last four years, I have sat as the councillor for Ash South and Tongham and it has been an honour and privilege to represent my community. However, my recent move to Chilworth has given me time to reflect and, after consideration, it has become clear that I can no longer remain a part of the R4GV political party. I have therefore taken steps to join the Liberal Democrats and here's why:

"The Lib Dems have shown me that they genuinely care about all sections of our communities, and have the right priorities and values for the residents of our borough. They are a diverse group of people, each of them residents of the borough themselves, who support each other and work together as a team to stand up for all of the different communities across Guildford and our villages, and against vested interests. I am looking forward to now working on a wider range of issues aligned with my passions and strengths.

"The last four years have shown me that the Liberal Democrats are the team best suited to lead Guildford and our villages through the next four years and beyond. Their vision is the right one, and I strongly urge everyone who cares about Guildford borough and its future to vote Liberal Democrat on Thursday 4th May."

Liberal Democrat council leader Cllr Julia McShane commented:

"We are very pleased to welcome Paul to our group. He brings a valuable perspective to the council chamber, and we are really happy he has recognised our dedication to working hard for all the communities across our borough. He will be a valued part of our team of local people working for a fairer, greener and thriving future for Guildford and our villages."

Paul Abbey lives in Chilworth and will be standing, alongside Danielle Newson, for the Liberal Democrats in Tillingbourne ward this May, which the Lib Dems won in the 2022 by-election.

4th April 2023