The meeting began with a welcome to new councillors and a reminder that the meeting was being recorded and streamed live. Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Case, Langton, and O'Riordan. The main topics discussed were the election of the new Chair and Vice Chair, the introduction of new councillors, and the allocation of committee seats and appointments to outside bodies.

Election of New Chair and Vice Chair

Councillor Soo-Pha was elected as the new Chair of the Council for 2024-25, succeeding Chris Botton. Councillor Claire Blackwell was elected as the Vice Chair. The outgoing Chair, Chris Botton, was thanked for his service, and he reflected on his tenure, emphasizing the importance of effective meetings and the quality of governance at Tandridge.

Introduction of New Councillors

Fifteen new members were introduced to the council following the all-district elections on May 2nd. The new councillors include:

• Councillor Chris Bassett (Oxford North)
• Councillor Ashley Bolton (Birstow, Horn and Outwood)
• Councillor Dino Klein (Whiteleaf)
• Councillor Julie Duggan (Lingfield and Crowhurst)
• Councillor Richard Fowler (Blettingley and Nutfield)
• Councillor Ben Horne (Portley and Queen's Park)
• Councillor Peter Killick (Lingfield and Crowhurst)
• Councillor Liz Lockwood (Lingfield and Crowhurst)
• Councillor Richard Mark (Portley and Queen's Park)
• Councillor James Rougebally (Westway)
• Councillor Ankita Sharma (Westway)
• Councillor Deborah Sherry (Woldingham)
• Councillor Sarah Sawamba (Westway)
• Councillor Robin Spencer (Harestone)

Allocation of Committee Seats and Appointments to Outside Bodies

The council discussed and agreed on the allocation of committee seats for the 2024/25 municipal year. Key appointments included:

• Gatwick Airport Outside Bodies: Councillor Sir Nicholas White was elected as the principal member, and Councillor Richard Smith as the substitute.
• Tandridge Health and Wellbeing Board: Councillor Louise Case and Councillor Lara Evans were elected as representatives.

Policy Statement by Councillor Sayer

Councillor Sayer outlined the administration's key aims for the upcoming year, focusing on financial stability, the development of a new local plan, council house building, and improving council services. She emphasized the importance of working together to deliver high-quality services to residents and highlighted the need for a new local plan to manage development pressures and protect the district's character.

Responses from Other Group Leaders

• Councillor Gray (Liberal Democrats): Emphasized the importance of a coherent political philosophy and criticized the Residence Alliance for lacking a clear political stance. He stressed the need for a local plan that serves the entire district and advocated for improved infrastructure and council services.
• Councillor Blore (Conservatives): Focused on reducing costs, developing a new local plan, and addressing the housing crisis. He called for increased resources for the planning department and emphasized the need for sustainable development with adequate infrastructure.
• Councillor Allen (Independent Group): Highlighted the importance of dealing with crime and anti-social behavior, protecting the Greenbelt, and improving council services. He called for a pragmatic assessment of council services and emphasized the need for financial prudence.

Conclusion

The meeting concluded with the appointment of chairs and vice chairs for various committees, including Community Services, Housing, Planning Policy, Strategy and Resources, Licensing, Planning, Standards, and Audit and Scrutiny. The new Chair, Councillor Soo-Pha, expressed her commitment to representing the council and raising funds for two charities: the Air Ambulance charity for Kent, Surrey, and Sussex, and the Rainbow Trust Children's charity.