Candidates announced ahead of East Surrey and West Surrey Council elections
In total 379 candidates are standing for 72 seats across 36 wards in the East Surrey Council Elections and 452 candidates are standing for 90 seats across 45 wards in the West Surrey Council elections.
Details of those standing can be found on the Future Surrey website (opens new window), where electors can search for who is up for election in their area. Candidates are also listed on the 'Statement of Persons Nominated' on the district or borough council website for the area in which they are standing to represent.
Those living in areas covered by Elmbridge, Epsom & Ewell, Mole Valley, Reigate & Banstead and Tandridge councils will vote in the East Surrey Council Elections, while those in the Guildford, Runnymede, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath, Waverley and Woking council areas will vote in the West Surrey Council elections.
Electors will be able to vote for up to two councillors to represent their ward in these elections.
What the new councillors be responsible for
Councillors elected to East Surrey Council and West Surrey Council in May 2026 will serve for five years, until May 2031.
In the first year they will work as part of a 'shadow' authority. During this period, they will set budgets and council tax for 2027/28, agree staffing structures and governance arrangements, adopt codes of conduct and members' allowance schemes and prepare for the transfer of responsibilities from the existing councils in Surrey.
The new councils will then officially take over from 1 April 2027, providing all the local council services you rely on including education, waste collection, roads, housing, play areas, children's services, adult social care and more.
Make sure you're ready to vote
Mari Roberts-Wood, Chief Executive at Reigate & Banstead Borough Council and Returning Officer for the East Surrey Elections said:
"I'd like to encourage you to see who is standing for election in your area and use your vote on 7 May. The election is your opportunity to choose who you want to represent you and the issues that matter to you in your local area for the next five years. Make sure you're ready to vote in these important elections."
Andrew Pritchard, Chief Executive of Runnymede Borough Council and Returning Officer for the West Surrey Elections, continued:
"To have your say in these elections, you must be registered to vote and the deadline - midnight on 20 April - is fast approaching. Register now if you aren't already, especially if you have recently moved house, changed you name or just turned 18. If you're in any doubt, or have questions, visit the Electoral Commission's website (opens new window), or contact your council."
Other local polls
Existing county, borough and district councillors will continue in their roles until 31 March 2027, so there will be no elections to these councils except where there are by-elections for vacant seats in particular wards.
On 7 May, by-elections take place in three out of 11 boroughs and districts in Surrey for vacated county council, district and borough council seats, including in Guildford, Reigate & Banstead and Tandridge areas. Some areas also have Parish council elections and/or Neighbourhood Planning Referendums. Details of candidates can be found on the relevant council's website.
Don't lose your vote
To be able to vote in these elections, you must be registered to vote by midnight on 20 April 2026. If you're not already registered, register now at gov.uk/register-to-vote
To vote in person you must bring an accepted form of photo ID. These include a passport, a driving licence or a concessionary travel pass, such as an older person's bus pass. You can use expired IDs if the photo still looks like you. For a full list of accepted photo ID visit electoralcommission.org.uk/voterid
If you don't have an accepted form of photo ID, apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate (VAC) by 5pm on 28 April 2026 at gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate
If you won't be able to get to a polling station on election day, you can apply online for a postal vote or proxy vote at gov.uk/how-to-vote. Apply as soon as possible to make sure you receive your postal vote pack or proxy vote in good time. The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on Tuesday 21 April 2026. For a proxy vote - when a friend or relative you trust casts your vote for you - apply by 5pm on 28 April 2026.
More information
For more about these elections and the upcoming changes in Surrey, visit surreylgrhub.gov.uk/elections
For clear, trusted information about voting and elections, visit www.electoralcommission.org.uk
If you don't have access to the internet, contact your local district or borough council for assistance.
Published on: 10 April 2026