Find out about the Mayor of Guildford
Meet the Mayor and Deputy Mayor
Councillor Howard Smith is the Mayor of Guildford for 2025-26
Howard has been a councillor of Westborough Ward since May 2023 and was Deputy Mayor for 2024-25.
About Howard
Howard was born in Guildford and grew up in Jacobs Well attending Weyfield Primary school followed by George Abbot. At fifteen he decided he wanted to be a drummer, and that path began with a school band and eventually to the group The Vapors. Their success in the 1980s led to appearances on Top of the Pops and tours of Australia and America. They had a worldwide hit with the song 'Turning Japanese'.
The group disbanded but Howard chose to stay in the music business. He rose to become senior manager of the membership division at The Performing Right Society in London. Growing tired of being office bound every day, he moved back to Guildford. He's since run a record shop and now promotes live music around the town.
Howard is married to Debbie, and they have two young children.
As mayor of his hometown, Howard is keen to use the knowledge, experiences, and skills he has gained to benefit the residents in Guildford and surrounding villages.
Chosen charities
In line with Howard's passion for music, he has chosen to support The Cheryl King Trust (opens new window) during his Mayoral year. He hopes that his support will help them to ensure that no young person in Surrey is unable to learn a musical instrument because either:
- their parents can't afford it
- musical opportunity is limited at their school
He will also be supporting Guildford Shakespeare Company (opens new window) with their outreach and educational projects.
And finally, having been so impressed by the vital service being provided by The Beacon Centre in Guildford, Howard will be raising awareness and supporting the Phyllis Tuckwell-Living Well Service (opens new window).
Deputy Mayor
Councillor Jane Tyson is the Deputy Mayor of Guildford for 2025-26.