Staines and Ashford Liberal Democrats are delighted to announce the selection of Chris Bateson as the Liberal Democrat candidate for the Staines South & Ashford West Division in next May’s Surrey County Council election.

Chris has also been the deputy leader of Spelthorne council since 2023. In this role, Chris has made significant strides in unlocking Spelthorne’s potential. He combines a pro-active approach to local government, with a 100% attendance rate, with serious concern for residents’ opinions. 

One example of this is the Local Plan, originally submitted in March 2023 by the Conservative administration who were determined to force it through despite widespread concerns expressed by many residents, including the lack of an agreement with the Environment Agency over flooding issues.

The current administration, with Chris at the helm, paused the implementation of the Local Plan, and has worked diligently and tirelessly to address these flooding issues; an agreement with the Environment Agency has now finally been reached. 

Chris has also been instrumental in setting up the Spelthorne Partnership Assembly, a forum for residents to speak directly to all their elected representatives and other partner agencies. Unlike the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats under Chris’ leadership will always put the voice of our residents at the heart of our vision for Spelthorne. 

Chris has lived in Staines for forty-five years. He has been persuaded by local residents to also stand for the county council seat so that he can achieve even more for them. Chris says “There are many things wrong with the way Surrey County Council is being run and I want to become a part in changing things.” Chris’ experience as deputy leader of Spelthorne Council will be a great asset to the County Council. 

His main priorities if elected would be to take an active role in the administration of the County for the benefit of Spelthorne in order to tackle issues with transport and highways and give priority to SEND provision which the Conservative-run Surrey County Council has neglected. 

Chris has already proven himself to be a local champion on Spelthorne Borough Council, and we hope that the people of Staines South and Ashford West give him the chance to serve them on Surrey County Council.  

Chris came second in the 2021 Surrey County Council election in the Staines South and Ashford West division and is the best choice to beat the Conservatives in the Division.