Residents in Camberley and across the surrounding area are preparing to head to the polls on 7 May 2026, as Surrey Heath Borough Council has published the full list of candidates for the upcoming West Surrey Council elections. This vote marks a significant shift in local government, as elected representatives will form a new unitary authority to replace the existing county and district councils starting in April 2027.
The election features 452 candidates competing for 90 seats across 45 wards. Voters will have the opportunity to select up to two councillors for their ward, with the positions decided through a first-past-the-post system.
Andrew Pritchard, the Chief Executive of Runnymede Borough Council and the Returning Officer for the West Surrey elections, has urged residents to ensure they are registered to vote before the deadline at midnight on 20 April 2026. He highlighted that registration is particularly important for anyone who has recently moved house, changed their name, or turned 18. Voters are also reminded that they must bring an accepted form of photo ID to their polling station.
This restructuring is being coordinated by the Surrey LGR Hub, which oversees the transition to the new administrative system. Once elected, the new councillors will serve a five-year term until May 2031. They will initially operate as a shadow authority to manage the preparations for the official transfer of services on 1 April 2027.
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