The West Surrey Shadow Authority is established to prepare for the new West Surrey Council, which will take on responsibility for all local council services from Vesting Day (1 April 2027).
The new council will replace the current arrangements across Guildford, Runnymede, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath, Waverley and Woking, as well as the services currently provided by Surrey County Council, bringing everything together under a single organisation.
During the shadow period, the Authority is focused on putting the new council in place so that services can transfer smoothly and continue without disruption. You can use this page to find information about meetings, leadership, councillors and the latest updates.
The existing county, borough and district councils will operate as normal until 1 April 2027, and the existing county, borough and district councillors will continue in their roles until then.
West Surrey and South Middlesex Council
The West Surrey Shadow authority met on 30 July 2026 to consider preparations for the launch of the new West Surrey Council on 1 April 2027.
As part of the meeting, councillors debated and supported a motion from Councillor Harry Boparai requesting a change of the official name of the authority from 'West Surrey Council' to 'West Surrey and South Middlesex Council’, reflecting the historic identity of Spelthorne and recognising the different communities that will come together within the new council.
A formal request to change the name will now go to government for approval, so preparations for the new logo and brand of West Surrey and South Middlesex Council can progress.
We will continue to call the authority 'West Surrey Council' until the name change has been agreed by government.
Constitution
The West Surrey Shadow Authority operates in accordance with its Constitution, which sets out how the authority is governed during the transition period. It explains how decisions are made, the role of councillors and committees, and the rules and procedures that guide the authority's work as it prepares for the launch of the new West Surrey Council.
Read the West Surrey Shadow Authority Constitution
West Surrey Council vision
West Surrey Shadow Authority Leader, Councillor Paul Follows, has set out the initial vision for the future West Surrey Council, outlining ambitions for an open and accountable council that delivers real results for residents, businesses and communities.
Watch the vision video below.
Meet your West Surrey Councillors
See who is representing West Surrey and get in contact with your local shadow councillor to ask questions.
Contacting councillors
If your enquiry is about a council service or you need help with an issue, you should continue to contact your existing county, district or borough council, or your local councillor.
If your question is about local government reorganisation or the new West Surrey Council, you can contact your West Surrey shadow councillor.
Shadow councillors can answer questions about the new council but cannot deal with service enquiries or individual casework.
West Surrey Council Committees and meetings
Meetings and events take place throughout the shadow period.
Shadow authority leadership
West Surrey Council has appointed councillors to key roles, including a Leader, Deputy Leader, Chair and Vice Chair. These roles help guide the work of the shadow authority during the transition period.
Appointments of Shadow Authority leadership roles:
- Chair: Cllr Penny Rivers
- Vice Chair: Cllr Masuk Miah
- Shadow Authority Leader: Cllr Paul Follows
- Shadow Authority Deputy Leader: Cllr Shaun Macdonald
Shadow Cabinet Executive Members will also be appointed to support specific areas of work during the transition.
Latest news and updates
You can stay up to date with the latest news from West Surrey, including announcements, progress updates and key decisions as planning continues.
West Surrey takes further steps to secure a strong and sustainable future
Residents invited to help shape new East and West Surrey council brands
West Surrey Shadow Authority Executive consider key plans for new council
First meeting of West Surrey Shadow Authority marks milestone for new council
- Results of the first election for the new West Surrey Council