Farnham’s First Citizen, and Mayor of Farnham – John Ward – has thrown his hat into the ring for the Shortheath and Boundstone By-election and aims to return – “power to the people” by standing for the Farnham Residents Group. 

At the Town Council on Thursday Councillor Ward announced that he had resigned from the Conservative Party  and threw his lot in with the Residents Group.

The by-election was prompted by the resignation of Conservative Councillor David Munro, recently  appointed as Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner.

Farnham Mayor John Ward and his Consort Gillian Ward

The former Waverley Borough Councillor was also  Surrey County Councillor for the South Farnham  Division  and his county seat is being contested by another Farnham Residents’ member, and constant thorn in the side of Waverley Council – Jerry Hyman and Mark Westcott (Independent). Mr Hyman is also standing for the Waverley seat. Needless to say the Tories will throw everything they have to keep him out!

Conservatives, fearful of losing the seats have brought in the troops from all over the borough leafleting homes three or four times! They have to stop one of their own defecting councillors from winning a seat that would strengthen the Opposition.

Could this perhaps be a sign that the wealth of adverse publicity that has surrounded the £100m redevelopment of the East Street/Brightwells area of the town, and the subsequent decision by local groups to seek a Judicial Review, might be concerning the Tory dominated Borough and County Councils. After all they are all in it together right up to their necks!

Is there any possible chance that times – they are a changing in our town – let’s hope so.

If The Mayor of Farnham wins the Waverley seat he would be  joining the following:  And the group could become a force to be reckoned. .

The Town Mayor chairs the Town’s Council meetings and represents the town at civic and ceremonial functions. During the mayoral year, the Mayor  attends around 300 engagements.He acts as an ambassador for Farnham, promoting and upholding the character of the town, supporting community groups and projects.The Town Mayor chooses a charity for which he/she wishes to raise funds during the mayoral year.  

Here’s the line up: for Shortheath and Boundstone.

And here’s Farnham Castle Ward following the resignation of long standing Councillor Paddy Blagden.