Final Chance to Register for Surrey’s Once-in-a-Generation Local Elections
Today, April 9, 2026, is the final day to submit nomination papers for next month’s Surrey elections. The vote will take place on May 7, 2026 under a new local government structure.
What is changing
Surrey County Council has existed since 1889. The boroughs and districts were created in 1974, forming the county’s legacy structure.
The existing 12 legacy councils will be dissolved. They will be replaced by two single-authority councils, East and West Surrey.
What the new councils will do
East and West Surrey will take responsibility for services previously split across two tiers. These include waste collection and recycling, planning and building control, and adult social care.
They will also cover children’s services, highways and transport, housing and homelessness support, environmental health, and leisure services. The change aims to simplify local government and clarify accountability.
Key dates and transition
The election is scheduled for May 7, 2026. Councillors elected in May will serve on shadow authorities for one year.
Shadow authorities will develop budgets, agree staffing and governance, and plan the transfer of services. The new East and West Surrey councils will formally begin in April 2027.
How to stand
To be a candidate you must be at least 18 years old. You must be a British, EU, or Commonwealth citizen.
You must be registered to vote in the area, or have lived or worked there for at least one year. Valid nomination papers require a proposer and a seconder.
Both proposer and seconder must be on the electoral register for the relevant ward. Party hopefuls should contact their political group. Independent candidates can consult the Local Government Association Independent Group for advice.
Contact details for nomination papers
Prospective candidates must contact the electoral services team for the area where they wish to stand. The following contacts can provide nomination forms and guidance.
| Council | Telephone | |
|---|---|---|
| Elmbridge Borough Council | [email protected] | 01372 474474 |
| Epsom & Ewell Borough Council | [email protected] | 01372 732000 |
| Guildford Borough Council | [email protected] | 01483 444115 |
| Mole Valley District Council | [email protected] | 01306 879198 |
| Reigate & Banstead Borough Council | [email protected] | 01737 276794 |
| Runnymede Borough Council | [email protected] | 01932 838383 |
| Spelthorne Borough Council | [email protected] | 01784 444218 |
| Surrey Heath Borough Council | [email protected] | 01276 707165 |
| Tandridge District Council | [email protected] | 01883 722000 |
| Waverley Borough Council | [email protected] | 01483 523116 |
| Woking Borough Council | [email protected] | 01483 855755 |
After the election
Shadow councillors will have one year to set budgets and service plans. They will also confirm staffing and governance arrangements.
The transfer of responsibilities from the legacy councils will be managed during the shadow year. Full council operations start in April 2027.
This is the final chance to register if you want to stand in Surrey’s once-in-a-generation local elections. Contact your local electoral services team before the deadline.
