Liberal Democrat Councillor Caroline Reeves announces that she is standing down from Guildford Borough Council

Popular and well-respected Lib Dem Borough Councillor for Friary & St Nicolas ward, and Deputy Leader of Guildford Borough Council, has announced that she is standing down on 12th March.

Speaking of her decision Cllr Reeves said:

"I am sure that living through a pandemic has made many of us reassess where we are in our lives. A combination of turning 70 last year, coronavirus and the enjoyment I've found in my daughter, her partner and their newborn coming to live with me for a month as part of my 'bubble' has given me cause to think differently about my life. It has been a real honour to serve my local community and Guildford as one of the councillors for Friary & St Nicolas ward, and more recently Leader and Deputy Leader of Guildford Borough Council. However, it is time for a change and I am standing down from the council with immediate effect to pursue a new adventure running a glamping business with my daughter and her partner in another part of the country.

I have loved living here in Guildford, being part of a very supportive community in a gorgeous part of the world. I want to thank everyone who has voted for me, supported me and worked with me in my role of councillor, especially the residents of Friary & St Nicolas - our community is incredibly special and will remain close to my heart even as we move away.

Obviously, a plan like this in the middle of a lockdown is not straightforward, but I seem to have a habit of doing things the hard way, and if I'm going to do something like this I should do it sooner rather than later. Thank you to those of you who have supported me, especially in my ward of Friary & St Nicolas. Our Facebook groups in the ward have been a great community success, and the response of the community to the pandemic has been heartwarming - a true reflection of the strong community spirit that we have here.

Responding to the news, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson Zöe Franklin commented:

"Cllr Reeves standing down is a sad day for Guildford and the Liberal Democrats. She is a deeply committed and well-loved councillor who has gone above and beyond for her residents in Friary & St Nicolas and Guildford for 16 years.

"Beyond her ward, residents are more likely to know her from her time leading the council from 2019 to late last year. There is no doubt in my mind that Caroline being the leader of GBC during the first seven months of the pandemic was a perfect fit. Her compassion for people shone through her leadership - exactly what our communities needed at a time that has deeply challenged all of us as individuals, communities as well as our local charities and businesses.

"On a personal note, I first met Caroline when I was elected to the Borough in 2008 and she has become one of my closest friends in both politics and beyond. We have fought countless elections side-by-side, worked together on ideas and enjoyed tea and cake in virtually every cafe in Guildford town centre! I shall l miss her greatly.

"On behalf of everyone in Guildford Liberal Democrats, past and present, as well as the people of Guildford, I want to thank Caroline for her tireless service and wish her every success and much happiness on her new adventure."

You can read a personal note from Cllr Reeves about her decision to stand down here.

5th March 2021