Mole valley council may have appointed its last ever leader

The new leader of Mole Valley District Council has been announced - although how long they have in the job is up in the air given the pending reorganisation and merger of Surrey councils.

The council had been under the stewardship of Councillor Stephen Cooksey since 2019. During that time the member for Dorking South has led the administration through the Covid-19 pandemic,

dealt with ‘major funding cuts’ from central government and introduced the new local plan that determines planning issues in the borough. He confirmed his decision to step down as leader

earlier this month saying he was proud of what was achieved during his spell. Taking his place at the top of the council tree will be Liberal Democrat member for Leatherhead South, Cllr

Bridget Kendrick. Supporting the leader will be Cllr Claire Malcomson, as deputy leader. Cllr Cooksey, who won his first seat on Mole Valley in 1992, said he had “developed a public

perception of the council as a caring and listening authority and maintained and, whenever possible, improved the services that Mole Valley Council provides. "That is a record in which

the administrations that I have headed have some pride and the fact that residents have consistently approved these policies and the way in which we have carried out our responsibilities has

been greatly appreciated. “Leading a council is a massively time-consuming job, especially during a time of re-organisation, and I would like the opportunity to use my local government

experience, developed over many years, to help establish the new councils in a way that will most benefit our residents. “I have an ambition to serve on the new unitary authority and will be

preparing for this transition whilst continuing to serve as a Mole Valley Councillor and a Surrey County Councillor.” He thanked his colleagues and the officers at the council ahead of the

new leadership team taking over following the council's annual general meeting on Tuesday, May 20. Mole Valley, together with the remaining boroughs and districts -as well as Surrey

County Council - are set to be merged into either one mega authority, or two or three large unitary councils. This is expected to take shape over the next year with shadow elections taking

place in 2026 for the new body. The two systems are expected to run side by side for a year before the old councils are disbanded - meaning Cllr Kendrick could well be the last ever leader

of Mole Valley. Cllr Kendrick, said: “I am honoured to take on the role of the leader of Mole Valley District Council at such a pivotal time. Our new cabinet is united in its commitment to

delivering the council strategy and ensuring that residents, businesses and communities in Mole Valley can thrive. The next two years will be crucial for ensuring we’ll get things right for

Mole Valley during the Local Government Reorganisation to protect its’ heritage, identity and interests among the wider Surrey councils. "I would also like to take this opportunity to

thank Cllr Stephen Cooksey for his outstanding service to Mole Valley and its residents. As the longest-serving Leader in the district’s history, Stephen played a pivotal role in delivering

some of our most significant projects, including the Local Plan, the Dorking and Bookham Masterplans, and the Service Transformation programme. It is a privilege to take the reins and lead

Mole Valley District Council at this landmark point in its history.” JOIN OUR NEW WHATSAPP COMMUNITY! CLICK THIS LINK TO RECEIVE YOUR DAILY DOSE OF SURREYLIVE CONTENT. WE ALSO TREAT OUR

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