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Election results

Local government in Surrey is changing, from 1 April 2027, Guildford Borough Council and Surrey County Council will be replaced by a new unitary authority called West Surrey Council.

Visit our election pages for the results of the council elections held on 7 May.

Public applause greets new Mayor and Civic Procession on Guildford High Street

Civic procession Mayor's after Civic Service

Civic procession Mayor's after Civic Service
Warm applause greeted the new Mayor of Guildford, Cllr Jane Tyson, and the Civic Procession as it made its way back to the Guildhall after the annual Civic Service on Sunday 10 May. 

Held at Holy Trinity Church, the Civic Service marked the start of this Mayoral year. It was attended by invited guests, including 

  • Deputy Lieutenant Col (Retd) Patrick Crowley MBE
  • Honorary Freemen
  • Honorary Aldermen
  • Councillors
  • fellow Mayors
  • local dignitaries.

Vision, Vitality and Voice

The service reflected the Mayor's chosen themes for the year ahead: Vision, Vitality and Voice. Following the welcome and opening hymn, 11 year old Raffi confidently captured these themes, telling the congregation: 

"With vision we imagine a better future, with vitality, we bring it to life, and with voice, we make sure everyone belongs."

Both celebratory and reflective in tone, this year's Civic Service featured traditional hymns, prayers and readings, alongside several new elements that brought fresh perspective, including:

  • A short talk on the history of Guildford's Mayoralty by Town Guide, Steve Callaghan.
  • A conversation on the theme of common good between religious leader, Canon Simon Butler, and civic leader, Pedro Wrobel, Joint Chief Executive of Guildford Borough Council and Waverley Borough Council.
  • Beautiful singing by students from Merrow Junior School.

Mayor of Guildford, Cllr Jane Tyson, repeating the Declaration of Acceptance of Office at Civic Service.
Cllr Tyson also repeated the Declaration of Acceptance of Office that she made at the Annual Mayor Making on Wednesday 29 April.

At the reception after the civic service, Cllr Jane Tyson, Mayor of Guildford, said:  

"My heartfelt thanks goes to everyone who helped make this civic service not only meaningful, but truly memorable for me, and my family.

"To my fellow councillors, fellow Mayors' and other civic and faith leaders, thank you for joining us and for the work you do in service of our communities. Your support is deeply appreciated. 

"As Mayor of Guildford, I will honour this civic office and serve our community with pride."

The reception also included a special celebration. The Mayor wished former Mayor and Honorary Alderman Keith Childs a happy 90th birthday. Guests joined together to sing Happy Birthday and enjoyed a slice of birthday cake to mark the occasion.

Published on: 12 May 2026