New Mayor of Guildford elected
Howard has served as a Guildford Borough Councillor for Westborough Ward since May 2023. He was Deputy Mayor for the 2024/2025 municipal year.
Howard was born in Guildford and grew up in Jacobs Well. He attended local primary and secondary schools before becoming the drummer in 80s band, The Vapors. Their most well-known worldwide hit song was Turning Japanese. The band appeared on Top of the Pops and toured Australia and America. When the group disbanded, Howard stayed in the music business.
Previous roles
- worked for The Performing Right Society in London
- run a record shop
- now promotes live music around the town
Theme for the mayoral year: 'improving lives'.
- helping young people make the most of opportunities, particularly in music and the performing arts
- helping the more senior members of our community enjoy and make the most of their lives
Chosen charities
He has chosen to support three charities that impact on the wellbeing of our community:
- Guildford Shakespeare Company
- The Cheryl King Trust
- Phyllis Tuckwell Living Well Service.
Speaking at the council meeting, the new Mayor of Guildford, Cllr Howard Smith said:
"I am truly honoured and delighted to have become the Mayor of Guildford. I can't tell you what a thrill it is to become mayor of my hometown.
"I have a deep commitment to helping make our town the best it can possibly be for all our residents and will be using my role to effect change where I can.
"I want the year ahead to be great fun, not just for me, but for everyone. Our town of Guildford is a remarkable town, and borough, packed with great, generous people, beautiful villages, and wonderful countryside. I strongly believe that we have a responsibility to do everything that we can as a community, to help one another."
Cllr Jane Tyson was appointed Deputy Mayor for the municipal year 2025/2026.
More information about the Mayor of Guildford
Published on: 7 May 2025