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  • Angela Rayner – 2026 Comments on Labour’s Performance at Local Elections

    Angela Rayner – 2026 Comments on Labour’s Performance at Local Elections

    The comments made by Angela Rayner, the former Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, on 10 May 2026.

    Our party has suffered a historic defeat.

    Many good Labour colleagues have lost their seats despite working hard for those they represented. We have lost good Labour administrations and lost the chance for more.

    What we are doing isn’t working, and it needs to change. This may be our last chance.

    The Labour Party must now live up to our name: we must be the party of working people.

    We’ve heard the same on the doorstep as we’ve seen in the polls – the cost of living is the top issue for voters of all parties. People have turned to populists and nationalists because we have not done enough to fix it.

    Living standards are barely higher than they were a decade and a half ago. People feel hopeless – that the cost of living crisis will never end, and now they see oil and gas companies use global instability to post record profits.

    Once again, ordinary people are paying the price for decisions they didn’t make. It’s no wonder that across the UK, working people feel the system is rigged against them.

    Things can be so much better than this. Countries including Spain and Canada have shown that economies can grow and people can thrive when governments stay true to labour and social democratic values and put people first. We need to learn from that.

    In London, we lost young people who fear they will never afford a home. In my patch and across the north, we lost working people whose wages are too low and costs too high. In Scotland and Wales, people do not currently see Labour as the answer.

    We are in danger of becoming a party of the well-off, not working people.

    The Peter Mandelson scandal showed a toxic culture of cronyism.

    Decisions like cutting winter fuel allowance just weren’t what people expected from a Labour government.

    For too long, successive governments have allowed wealth and power to concentrate at the top without a plan to ensure the benefits of economic growth are shared fairly. The result is an economy that does not work for the majority, with wealth concentrated in too few hands. This level of inequality, alongside squeezed living standards, is the outcome of a model built on deregulation, privatisation, and trickle-down economics.

    But we have the chance to fix this.

    We need immediate action to cut costs for households and put money back into the everyday economy. This can be done within the current fiscal rules, by ensuring those who benefit from the crisis contribute more so that everyone can thrive.

    Our Employment Rights Act was just the first step in our plan to Make Work Pay. Now is the time to take the next steps, starting with a Fair Pay Agreement in social care – but not ending there. A rising minimum wage must go alongside our programme to get young people into work.

    The investment we secured in social and affordable housing should now unleash a building boom that benefits British business and workers. We must double down on renters’ reform and show leaseholders our action on tackling ground rents and charges was just a first step to ending freehold for good.

    Our devolution revolution has begun, but is nowhere near done.

    Giving mayors powers to transform planning and licensing can boost local business and good growth, in the interests of local people. They must go alongside economic powers and public services.

    Boosting community ownership and stopping the sell-off of local assets from pubs to playgrounds will put power back in local hands, helping restore the pride they feel in the places they live.

    We must go further on planning reforms, to build the schools, hospitals, roads and infrastructure the country needs to grow.

    We should be unafraid to promote new forms of public, community and cooperative ownership across the board. Buses and trains being brought back into public hands can now operate for the public good, at prices passengers can afford.

    Thames Water is an iconic failure of privatisation, which resonates for the same reasons. People are rightly sick of bonuses for bosses who deliver nothing but higher bills. We must face down demands that the public pay the price of private failure.

    We must create good jobs that pay decent wages by ensuring defence investment includes a secure manufacturing base. Use our house building programme to boost construction, invest in the green economy, backing SMEs by reforming business rates and increasing support to revive our high streets and local economies, raise the minimum wage and get young people into work.

    And then there is politics itself, putting power back into people’s hands so that they are shaping the decisions that impact them. We must tackle the inflow of dodgy money in our politics – something that Nigel Farage, who took 5 million pounds in a secret personal gift from an offshore crypto baron, will never do. We must make politics work for ordinary people.

    We can only prove we mean it by putting the common interest ahead of factionalism.

    This is bigger than personalities, but it is time to acknowledge that blocking Andy Burnham was a mistake. We must show we understand the scale of change the moment calls for – that means bringing our best players into Parliament – and embracing the type of agenda that has been successful at a local level, rather than reaching back to an agenda and politics that has failed people.

    These are the fights we need to have, and the change in direction we need to see. Policy tweaks will not fix the fundamental challenges facing our country. This government needs, at pace, to put measures in place that make people’s lives tangibly better, while fixing the foundations of a system rigged against them.

    The Prime Minister must now meet the moment and set out the change our country needs.

    Change our economic agenda to prioritise making people better off, change how we run our party so that all voices are listened to, and change how we do politics.

    Labour exists to make working people better off. That is not happening fast enough, and it needs to change — now.

  • NEWS STORY : Reform UK Distance Themselves from Darren Grimes Comments as Glenn Gibbins Allegations Worsen

    NEWS STORY : Reform UK Distance Themselves from Darren Grimes Comments as Glenn Gibbins Allegations Worsen

    STORY

    Journalist Kevin Schofield has reported that Reform UK have not suspended Glenn Gibbins following the serious allegations made against him, distancing themselves from the comments made by Darren Grimes that he had been.

    Schofield posted on X:

    “Glenn Gibbins has NOT been suspended, despite claims by Reform councillor Darren Grimes. Party spokesman: “The investigation is still ongoing. No decision has been made yet.”“

    Further allegations have now been made against Gibbins for engaging in hate speech, with Reform UK saying that they will investigate the matter. Darren Grimes has yet to comment on the snub from Reform UK.

  • NEWS STORY : Serious Allegations Made Against Reform Councillor Glenn Gibbins

    NEWS STORY : Serious Allegations Made Against Reform Councillor Glenn Gibbins

    STORY

    Serious allegations of racism and hate speech have been made against new Reform councillor Glenn Gibbins, representing Hylton Castle Ward on Sunderland City Council. Reform UK confirmed that the allegations were so serious that the councillor has been suspended from the party pending investigation and will now sit as an independent.

    Gibbins also faces allegations of hate speech, misogyny and Darren Grimes, the deputy leader of Durham County Council, has said that there had been “a failure of the vetting process” in selecting him.

    Gibbins has yet to comment on the allegations.

  • NEWS STORY : UK Military Parachutes Medical Team Onto Tristan da Cunha After Suspected Hantavirus Case

    NEWS STORY : UK Military Parachutes Medical Team Onto Tristan da Cunha After Suspected Hantavirus Case

    STORY

    The UK military has carried out an emergency parachute drop onto Tristan da Cunha to deliver medical personnel, oxygen supplies and equipment after a British national on the island was suspected of contracting Hantavirus.

    The Ministry of Defence said six paratroopers and two military clinicians from 16 Air Assault Brigade jumped from an RAF A400M transport aircraft onto the remote South Atlantic island. Oxygen supplies and other medical aid were dropped almost simultaneously. It is the first time the UK military has inserted medical personnel by parachute to provide humanitarian support.

    Tristan da Cunha is Britain’s most remote inhabited overseas territory, has no airstrip and is normally accessible only by boat. The island has a population of 221 people. The Government said oxygen supplies on the island had reached a critical level, leaving an airdrop with medical staff as the only way to get urgent care to the patient in time.

    The operation involved a flight of 6,788km from RAF Brize Norton to Ascension Island, followed by a further journey of more than 3,000km to Tristan da Cunha. The A400M was supported by an RAF Voyager aircraft, which provided mid-air refuelling. Weather conditions around the island are often difficult, with average wind speeds frequently exceeding 25mph.

    Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the mission reflected the Government’s commitment to people in the Overseas Territories and to British nationals wherever they are. Armed Forces Minister Al Carns described it as an “extraordinary operation” in challenging circumstances and paid tribute to the personnel involved.

    The mission follows the UK Government’s wider response to a Hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship. British nationals are being repatriated from the vessel to the UK on a special chartered flight. The Government said none of those returning had reported symptoms, but all British passengers and crew on board are being isolated for 45 days and monitored by the UK Health Security Agency.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Military conducts daring parachute drop to deliver critical medical support to Tristan da Cunha [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Military conducts daring parachute drop to deliver critical medical support to Tristan da Cunha [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 10 May 2026.

    An Army specialist team has parachuted onto Tristan da Cunha to deliver critical medical support after it was confirmed that one British national on the island was suspected of contracting Hantavirus.

    • Specialist Army team parachute from an RAF A400M onto remote island, with medical personnel in-tandem and oxygen supplies and medical equipment.
    • Tristan da Cunha – Britian’s most remote overseas territory – is located deep in the South Atlantic, has no airstrip, and is normally only accessible by boat. 
    • Drop comes after the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) on Friday confirmed one suspected case of Hantavirus of a British national on Tristan da Cunha.

    An Army specialist team has parachuted onto Tristan da Cunha to deliver critical medical support after it was confirmed that one British national on the island was suspected of contracting Hantavirus.

    The team of six paratroopers and two military clinicians, all from 16 Air Assault Brigade, parachuted from an RAF A400M transport aircraft. Meanwhile, vital oxygen supplies and other medical aid were air dropped almost simultaneously onto the remote island. 

    This operation is the first time the UK military has inserted medical personnel to provide humanitarian support via a parachute jump, demonstrating how the military can deploy at very short notice across the world on a range of tasks.

    Tristan da Cunha, a group of volcanic islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, is Britian’s most remote inhabited overseas territory. It is accessible only by boat, has no airstrip, and has a population of 221 inhabitants. 

    Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

    “I am deeply grateful to the personnel across the Armed Forces and the RAF who acted at pace to get urgent medical support to Tristan da Cunha. This extraordinary operation reflects our unwavering commitment to the people of our Overseas Territories and to British nationals, wherever they are. The safety and well-being of all members of the British family is our number one priority.

    “We will continue to work closely with international authorities and the Tristan da Cunha administration, keeping those affected informed and ensuring the right support is in place in the UK and across the Overseas Territories.”

    With oxygen supplies on the island at a critical level, an airdrop with medical personnel was the only method of getting vital care to the patient in time. The operation will also ensure the resilience of wider healthcare on the island by supporting Tristan da Cunha’s two-person medical team.

    The military team flew 6,788 km from RAF Brize Norton to Ascension Island. The aircraft then proceed to fly over 3,000 km to Tristan da Cunha, where the personnel parachuted onto the island. They were supported by an RAF Voyager aircraft to refuel the A400M mid-air.

    Weather conditions at Tristan da Cunha can be exceptionally challenging, with average wind speeds often exceeding 25mph, presenting difficult conditions for the paratroopers. 

    Minister for the Armed Forces Al Carns said:

    “This was an extraordinary operation in incredibly challenging circumstances to get vital help to our citizens on Tristan da Cunha.

    “I want to pay a huge tribute to our brave personnel for carrying out their task with the utmost professionalism and composure under pressure. 

    “This is a real cross-government effort showing our determination to support our overseas territories and British nationals affected by the Hantavirus outbreak.”

    Brig Ed Cartwright, Officer Commanding 16 Air Assault Brigade said:

    “This was a joint effort with the Royal Air Force and highlights the speed, reach and utility of parachuting.

    “The arrival of paratroopers, medical personnel and medical supplies from the sky has hopefully reassured the people of Tristan da Cunha.”

    The mission comes as the UK government continues to work with international authorities to respond to the outbreak of Hantavirus from the MV Hondius cruise ship.

    British nationals are being repatriated from the MV Hondius to the UK via a special chartered flight. None of the British citizens who are being repatriated have reported symptoms but are being closely monitored.

    All British passengers and crew on board the MV Hondius are being isolated for 45 days upon returning to the UK and UKHSA is closely monitoring these individuals, with testing as required. 

    Follow up is underway for individuals who may have been in contact with cases and have since returned to the UK or are in in UK Overseas Territories. The UK government will ensure those self-isolating are given appropriate support. 

    The Ministry of Defence has worked with UKHSA to provide vital diagnostic supplies, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, which were delivered to Ascension Island via a military plane on 7 May.

    The risk to the general public remains very low.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New missions to transform childhoods of most disadvantaged [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : New missions to transform childhoods of most disadvantaged [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Education on 10 May 2026.

    New education missions launched to open doors for children in the most under-served communities.

    Thousands of children from England’s most under-served communities are set to benefit from targeted support that will transform their life chances through two pioneering new education programmes. 

    Mission North East and Mission Coastal will bring expert support into classrooms and new opportunities beyond the school gates for children in the North East, Hastings and Scarborough from this September — communities where too many young people have been held back for too long, with persistently low results. 

    Announced by Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson today, these landmark programmes will transform children’s lives — giving the most disadvantaged children the mentoring, careers support, and enrichment opportunities they need to achieve and thrive.

    The data driving these decisions is stark. The North East has the lowest exam results of any region in England at 1.9 points below the national average of 46.0 in Attainment 8. In Hastings, disadvantaged pupils average just 26.0 and in Scarborough around 27.

    Across the country, disadvantaged White British pupils are being consistently let down, scoring 30.9 against 48.6 for their better-off peers. That is a generational injustice.

    These missions will change that. Expert practitioners will work directly with leaders and teachers, building teacher capacity and raising standards. Schools will work together in local clusters, learning from each other rather than tackling challenges alone. 

    Beyond the school gates, new partnerships with employers, sports clubs, faith groups and youth organisations will provide vital mentoring, careers support and cultural enrichment — the building blocks of a full childhood.

    These programmes build on the success of the London Challenge, which launched in 2003, and proved what is possible when you concentrate expert-led, place-based support in communities that have previously been left behind. 

    Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:

    I grew up in the North East and know the challenges families face. I want every child there, and in coastal communities like Hastings and Scarborough, to have the same opportunities I was lucky enough to have.  

    For too long, children living in these areas have grown up without the opportunities that they need and deserve to be able to achieve and thrive. 

    That is not a matter of ability. It is a matter of justice. Mission North East and Mission Coastal are our commitment to change that postcode lottery for good.

    Designed with a Test, Learn and Grow approach, these programmes will identify what works quickly and feed those lessons back into national policy – so these missions benefit not just local communities, but similar communities across the country.

    Over time, we will look to form a wider alliance of other coastal areas with similar challenges, where children and families can benefit from the approach being taken in Scarborough and Hastings.

    The landmark Schools White Paper set out the government’s plans for Mission North East and Mission Coastal as part of our plan to cut the link between background and success and halve the disadvantage gap for this generation, so that every child can achieve and thrive.

    This work builds on the passing of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act, which introduced free breakfast clubs to all primary schools and places new limits on branded school uniform costs. Together, these measures form part of the most ambitious programme of investment in children and childhood England has seen in a generation.

  • 2026 LOCAL ELECTION RESULTS – East Surrey Council

    2026 LOCAL ELECTION RESULTS – East Surrey Council

    EAST SURREY COUNCIL

    Council: East Surrey Council
    Election: East Surrey Council election 2026
    Date: 7 May 2026
    Status: Complete — 36 of 36 wards declared
    Overall result: Liberal Democrat majority
    Control: New shadow council election
    Majority required: 37 seats
    Total electorate: 406,177
    Ballot papers issued: 199,485
    Overall turnout: 49.1%
    Total rejected ballot papers: 413

    Council summary:
    Liberal Democrats — 40 seats — 29.37% vote share
    Conservative — 10 seats — 21.23% vote share
    Green — 8 seats — 11.30% vote share
    Reform UK — 5 seats — 21.46% vote share
    Residents Associations of Epsom and Ewell — 2 seats — 3.40% vote share
    Independent — 2 seats — 2.71% vote share
    Ashtead Independent, working with Ashtead Residents — 2 seats — 1.49% vote share
    Nork and Tattenhams Residents’ Associations — 2 seats — 1.41% vote share
    The Molesey Residents Association — 1 seat — 0.70% vote share
    Labour — 0 seats — 3.09% vote share
    Local Conservatives — 0 seats — 1.10% vote share
    Hinchley Wood Residents – Weston, Long Ditton — 0 seats — 1.03% vote share
    Thames Ditton Residents’ Association — 0 seats — 0.43% vote share
    The Walton Society — 0 seats — 0.39% vote share
    Independent Network — 0 seats — 0.31% vote share
    Labour and Co-operative — 0 seats — 0.30% vote share
    Weybridge Independents — 0 seats — 0.26% vote share
    Social Democratic Party — 0 seats — 0.02% vote share
    Heritage Party — 0 seats — 0.01% vote share

    Notes: East Surrey Council is one of the new Surrey unitary authorities being elected ahead of local government reorganisation. Each ward elected two councillors. Overall totals and party seat totals are from the official East Surrey Council results page.

    Ward results:

    Ashtead
    Elected: Chris Hunt (Ashtead Independent, working with Ashtead Residents) — 3,059
    Elected: Andy Smith (Ashtead Independent, working with Ashtead Residents) — 2,712
    Majority: 1,697 over Alison Kelly (Liberal Democrats)
    Turnout: 5,898 ballot papers issued — 51.8%
    Candidates: Chris Hunt (Ashtead Independent, working with Ashtead Residents) — 3,059; Andy Smith (Ashtead Independent, working with Ashtead Residents) — 2,712; Alison Kelly (Liberal Democrats) — 1,015; Grant McMurray (Reform UK) — 922; Andy Norman (Liberal Democrats) — 914; Steve Suzuki (Reform UK) — 778; Gavin Mansfield Newton (Conservative) — 566; Roger Godfrey Maunter (Conservative) — 466; Joanna Kathryn Sherring (Green) — 456; Emily Joyce Stewart (Green) — 355; Susan Gilchrist (Labour) — 150; Jason Anderson (Labour) — 109.

    Banstead, Woodmansterne & Chipstead
    Elected: Lynne Jane Fletcher (Conservative) — 2,475
    Elected: James Paul King (Conservative) — 2,332
    Majority: 892 over John Payten (Reform UK)
    Turnout: 5,490 ballot papers issued — 50.4%
    Candidates: Lynne Jane Fletcher (Conservative) — 2,475; James Paul King (Conservative) — 2,332; John Payten (Reform UK) — 1,440; Henry Edward Millar Smith (Reform UK) — 1,397; Anthony Daniel Ross Anderson (Liberal Democrats) — 664; Trixie Lawrence (Liberal Democrats) — 586; Megan Khan (Green) — 528; Jane Louise Shufflebotham (Green) — 500; Christopher John Haslett (Labour) — 392; Mick Hay (Labour) — 343.

    Bookham & Fetcham West
    Elected: Caroline Victoria Joseph (Liberal Democrats) — 3,273
    Elected: Andrew Harold Matthews (Liberal Democrats) — 3,158
    Majority: 1,474 over Louise Roberta Daisy Calland (Conservative)
    Turnout: 6,902 ballot papers issued — 54.9%
    Candidates: Caroline Victoria Joseph (Liberal Democrats) — 3,273; Andrew Harold Matthews (Liberal Democrats) — 3,158; Louise Roberta Daisy Calland (Conservative) — 1,684; Guy Eason (Conservative) — 1,527; Richard James Granville (Reform UK) — 1,525; Rosie Joynson (Reform UK) — 1,451; Alex Baines-Buffery (Green) — 406; Natt Tapley (Green) — 329; Bill Peacock (Labour) — 126.

    Caterham Hill
    Elected: Ben Horne (Liberal Democrats) — 1,908
    Elected: Martin Redman (Liberal Democrats) — 1,775
    Majority: 306 over Max Barry (Reform UK)
    Turnout: 5,045 ballot papers issued — 44.5%
    Candidates: Ben Horne (Liberal Democrats) — 1,908; Martin Redman (Liberal Democrats) — 1,775; Max Barry (Reform UK) — 1,469; Osmund Stuart Lee (Reform UK) — 1,222; Michael John William Cooper (Conservative) — 1,052; Hoong-Wai Cheah (Conservative) — 870; Rebecca Gower (Green) — 467; Amanda Jane Castles (Green) — 406; Robin Brian Clements (Labour) — 265; Stephanie Louise Harvey (Labour) — 252.

    Caterham Valley
    Elected: Tony Pearce (Liberal Democrats) — 1,871
    Elected: Robin Spencer (Liberal Democrats) — 1,731
    Majority: 712 over Laura Baker (Reform UK)
    Turnout: 4,140 ballot papers issued — 41.7%
    Candidates: Tony Pearce (Liberal Democrats) — 1,871; Robin Spencer (Liberal Democrats) — 1,731; Laura Baker (Reform UK) — 1,019; Jamie Wheadon (Reform UK) — 876; Sakina Bradbury (Conservative) — 685; Richard John Mark (Conservative) — 603; Leo Domingues (Green) — 415; Nick Pont (Green) — 281; Hamish John Sutherland McDougall (Labour) — 168; Amelie Angela Wells (Labour) — 166.

    Cobham & Oxshott South
    Elected: David John Lewis (Conservative) — 2,855
    Elected: Alan Charles Parker (Conservative) — 2,469
    Majority: 949 over Paul David Aubrey (Liberal Democrats)
    Turnout: 5,658 ballot papers issued — 45.4%
    Candidates: David John Lewis (Conservative) — 2,855; Alan Charles Parker (Conservative) — 2,469; Paul David Aubrey (Liberal Democrats) — 1,520; Linda Idrizi (Liberal Democrats) — 1,443; Elaine Linda Kingston (Reform UK) — 1,101; Nicholas David Wood (Reform UK) — 1,021; Winter Del Bono (Green) — 369; Carolyn Ann Gray (Labour) — 166; Steven John Gray (Labour) — 110.

    Dorking Hills
    Elected: Claire Philomena Malcomson (Liberal Democrats) — 2,475
    Elected: Abhiram Magesh (Liberal Democrats) — 2,221
    Majority: 679 over Michael Andrew Carter (Reform UK)
    Turnout: 5,644 ballot papers issued — 53.1%
    Candidates: Claire Philomena Malcomson (Liberal Democrats) — 2,475; Abhiram Magesh (Liberal Democrats) — 2,221; Michael Andrew Carter (Reform UK) — 1,542; Leigh Jones (Reform UK) — 1,393; Lucy Vanora Heidee Botting (Conservative) — 1,223; Khobi Anne Patterson-Vallis (Conservative) — 1,024; James John Lawrence Poke (Green) — 495; John Francis Roche (Green) — 396; James Ruscombe Stringer (Labour and Co-operative) — 118.

    Dorking Rural
    Elected: Jo Farrar-Astrop (Liberal Democrats) — 2,115
    Elected: Dineke van den Bogerd (Liberal Democrats) — 1,969
    Majority: 196 over Geoff Cox (Reform UK)
    Turnout: 5,883 ballot papers issued — 56.9%
    Candidates: Jo Farrar-Astrop (Liberal Democrats) — 2,115; Dineke van den Bogerd (Liberal Democrats) — 1,969; Geoff Cox (Reform UK) — 1,773; Helyn Clack (Conservative) — 1,693; Jacq Inwood (Reform UK) — 1,581; Marc Cyrus Hanson (Conservative) — 1,331; Simon Bell (Green) — 453; Gerard Martin Bolton (Green) — 338; Noel Edward Humphrey (Labour) — 109.

    Dorking
    Elected: Stephen John Cooksey (Liberal Democrats) — 3,210
    Elected: Bradley Luke Nelson (Liberal Democrats) — 2,838
    Majority: 1,795 over Chris Crook (Green)
    Turnout: 5,934 ballot papers issued — 52.1%
    Candidates: Stephen John Cooksey (Liberal Democrats) — 3,210; Bradley Luke Nelson (Liberal Democrats) — 2,838; Chris Crook (Green) — 1,043; Matthew Joseph Moreau (Reform UK) — 932; Lisa Claire Scott (Green) — 877; Marion Caroline Woodville (Reform UK) — 812; Sharon Dickinson (Conservative) — 787; Mark Stephen Saunders (Conservative) — 672; Kev Stroud (Labour and Co-operative) — 250; Fred John Tidy (Social Democratic Party) — 42.

    Earlswood & Reigate South
    Elected: Neha Boghani (Green) — 1,783
    Elected: Robin Gordon Whitwell (Green) — 1,627
    Majority: 387 over Chris Byrne (Reform UK)
    Turnout: 4,499 ballot papers issued — 45.2%
    Candidates: Neha Boghani (Green) — 1,783; Robin Gordon Whitwell (Green) — 1,627; Chris Byrne (Reform UK) — 1,240; Joseph Brian Fox (Reform UK) — 1,148; Janis Colella (Conservative) — 842; Brian O’Neill (Conservative) — 795; Chris Kelly (Liberal Democrats) — 446; Robin Timothy Lawrence (Liberal Democrats) — 365; Linda Ann Giles (Labour) — 289; Marc Patrick Gainsford (Labour) — 271.

    Epsom Town & Downs
    Elected: Melissa Ann Baynes (Liberal Democrats) — 2,769
    Elected: Roy James Deadman (Liberal Democrats) — 2,475
    Majority: 972 over Steven John McCormick (Residents Associations of Epsom and Ewell)
    Turnout: 6,165 ballot papers issued — 51.3%
    Candidates: Melissa Ann Baynes (Liberal Democrats) — 2,769; Roy James Deadman (Liberal Democrats) — 2,475; Steven John McCormick (Residents Associations of Epsom and Ewell) — 1,503; Kim Spickett (Residents Associations of Epsom and Ewell) — 1,146; Henry Strausser (Reform UK) — 825; Adrian Daniels (Reform UK) — 817; Aaron Persand (Conservative) — 632; Michael Ware (Conservative) — 607; Gregory Adrian Smith (Green) — 389; Sally Jane Stewart (Green) — 383; Kate Chinn (Labour) — 277; Stuart Gosling (Labour) — 192.

    Epsom West
    Elected: John Graham Hindmarsh (Liberal Democrats) — 2,538
    Elected: David Colleton Buxton (Liberal Democrats) — 2,538
    Majority: 1,549 over David Bearryman (Reform UK)
    Turnout: 6,006 ballot papers issued — 49.8%
    Candidates: John Graham Hindmarsh (Liberal Democrats) — 2,538; David Colleton Buxton (Liberal Democrats) — 2,538; David Bearryman (Reform UK) — 989; Kieran Persand (Conservative) — 959; Stephen James Pontin (Conservative) — 953; Ben Cronin (Reform UK) — 916; Scott Marshall (Residents Associations of Epsom and Ewell) — 710; Christine Gladys Cleveland (Residents Associations of Epsom and Ewell) — 702; Yvonne Caroline Grunwald (Green) — 683; Jonathan Neil Parkinson (Green) — 548; Ros Godson (Labour) — 246; Keew Ng (Labour) — 210.

    Esher, Claygate & Oxshott North
    Elected: Alex Coomes (Liberal Democrats) — 2,390
    Elected: Andrew Edward James Burton (Liberal Democrats) — 2,241
    Majority: 287 over Andrew Burley (Conservative)
    Turnout: 5,971 ballot papers issued — 59.5%
    Candidates: Alex Coomes (Liberal Democrats) — 2,390; Andrew Edward James Burton (Liberal Democrats) — 2,241; Andrew Burley (Conservative) — 1,954; Amanda Manship (Conservative) — 1,665; Simon Jonathan Waugh (Independent) — 977; Geoff Herbert (Reform UK) — 899; Art Salihu (Reform UK) — 631; Sarah Coomes (Green) — 392; Ian Cunningham (Green) — 271; Julie Ann Crook (Labour) — 96; Lawrence Anthony Patrick Riley (Social Democratic Party) — 36.

    Ewell Court, Auriol & Cuddington
    Elected: Eber Alan Kington (Residents Associations of Epsom and Ewell) — 2,567
    Elected: Peter William O’Donovan (Residents Associations of Epsom and Ewell) — 2,215
    Majority: 1,155 over Iain Kinner (Reform UK)
    Turnout: 5,477 ballot papers issued — 45.6%
    Candidates: Eber Alan Kington (Residents Associations of Epsom and Ewell) — 2,567; Peter William O’Donovan (Residents Associations of Epsom and Ewell) — 2,215; Iain Kinner (Reform UK) — 1,060; Andrew Casey (Liberal Democrats) — 994; Simon Keats (Reform UK) — 921; Jeanne Ng (Liberal Democrats) — 815; Charlotte Ann Angus (Conservative) — 493; Melissa Jane Awcock (Green) — 430; David Anthony Lee (Green) — 409; Caleb Michael Philip Heather (Conservative) — 392; Richard Chinn (Labour) — 175; Steve Dyke (Labour) — 163.

    Ewell Village, Stoneleigh & Nonsuch
    Elected: Alan Robert Avis (Liberal Democrats) — 1,993
    Elected: Julian Peter Freeman (Liberal Democrats) — 1,908
    Majority: 350 over Hannah Charlotte Emily Dalton (Residents Associations of Epsom and Ewell)
    Turnout: 6,335 ballot papers issued — 51.4%
    Candidates: Alan Robert Avis (Liberal Democrats) — 1,993; Julian Peter Freeman (Liberal Democrats) — 1,908; Hannah Charlotte Emily Dalton (Residents Associations of Epsom and Ewell) — 1,558; Clive David Woodbridge (Residents Associations of Epsom and Ewell) — 1,460; Andy Aldridge (Reform UK) — 1,158; Meera Persand (Conservative) — 1,116; Shanice Goldman (Conservative) — 1,082; Steve Harding (Reform UK) — 1,049; Kulsoom Bilgrami (Green) — 436; Kenneth Roger Thomas Bradshaw (Green) — 300; Helen Lewis (Labour) — 146; Bill Hodgkiss (Labour) — 129.

    Godstone
    Elected: Simon Lock (Reform UK) — 1,468
    Elected: Steve Paris (Reform UK) — 1,456
    Majority: 81 over Liam Gerard Frederick Hammond (Conservative)
    Turnout: 4,764 ballot papers issued — 45.7%
    Candidates: Simon Lock (Reform UK) — 1,468; Steve Paris (Reform UK) — 1,456; Liam Gerard Frederick Hammond (Conservative) — 1,375; Theo Harris (Conservative) — 1,247; Tamzie Hollands (Liberal Democrats) — 1,031; Roben Colin Franklin (Liberal Democrats) — 1,022; Timothy Edward Deadman (Green) — 608; Carol Geraldine Ward (Green) — 567; Sylvia Onyinye Berry (Labour) — 246; Carron Walker (Labour) — 213.

    Hersham
    Elected: Wendy Carol Gibbs (Liberal Democrats) — 2,252
    Elected: John Cope (Conservative) — 1,952
    Majority: 6 over Alistair William Price (Liberal Democrats)
    Turnout: 5,648 ballot papers issued — 51.1%
    Candidates: Wendy Carol Gibbs (Liberal Democrats) — 2,252; John Cope (Conservative) — 1,952; Alistair William Price (Liberal Democrats) — 1,946; Corinne Sterry (Conservative) — 1,407; Harrison Allman-Varty (Reform UK) — 1,138; Carlos De Pommes (Reform UK) — 969; Helen Julia Brown (Green) — 425; Simon Jonathan Leifer (Independent) — 392; Laura Joanne Murria (Green) — 305; Francis Eldergill (Labour) — 150.

    Horley East
    Elected: David Andrew Heaver (Reform UK) — 1,625
    Elected: Barry John Maguire (Liberal Democrats) — 1,614
    Majority: 53 over Gary John Bates (Reform UK)
    Turnout: 5,703 ballot papers issued — 48.6%
    Candidates: David Andrew Heaver (Reform UK) — 1,625; Barry John Maguire (Liberal Democrats) — 1,614; Gary John Bates (Reform UK) — 1,561; Oliver Charles Walter (Liberal Democrats) — 1,474; Samantha Jane Marshall (Local Conservatives) — 1,333; Taylor Dennis Spencer O’Driscoll (Local Conservatives) — 1,303; Victoria Louise Chester (Green) — 1,205; Steel James Horton (Green) — 1,020.

    Horley West, Salfords & Sidlow
    Elected: Steve Wotton (Liberal Democrats) — 1,839
    Elected: Andrew Stevens (Liberal Democrats) — 1,703
    Majority: 7 over Andy Lynch (Reform UK)
    Turnout: 5,003 ballot papers issued — 43.9%
    Candidates: Steve Wotton (Liberal Democrats) — 1,839; Andrew Stevens (Liberal Democrats) — 1,703; Andy Lynch (Reform UK) — 1,696; William Stanway (Reform UK) — 1,536; Michael Stewart Blacker (Local Conservatives) — 877; Christian Stevens (Local Conservatives) — 756; Madeleine Low (Green) — 586; Jason Michael Thorne (Green) — 493; Laurence Nasskau (Labour) — 222.

    Leatherhead & Fetcham East
    Elected: Alan Keith Thompson (Liberal Democrats) — 1,949
    Elected: Jolanta Waugh (Liberal Democrats) — 1,893
    Majority: 200 over Tim Hall (Conservative)
    Turnout: 5,668 ballot papers issued — 47.2%
    Candidates: Alan Keith Thompson (Liberal Democrats) — 1,949; Jolanta Waugh (Liberal Democrats) — 1,893; Tim Hall (Conservative) — 1,693; Alan William Gibbs (Conservative) — 1,462; Scott Thomas Kormis (Reform UK) — 1,253; David Izatt (Reform UK) — 1,244; Juliette Olwen Littlewood (Green) — 602; Larissa Jane Dumebi Ezechie (Green) — 535; Ann Clark (Labour and Co-operative) — 237; Morten Brinchmann (Labour) — 182.

    Lingfield
    Elected: Lesley Susan Steeds (Conservative) — 2,057
    Elected: Nick Greenfield (Reform UK) — 2,055
    Majority: 154 over Julia Florence Searle (Reform UK)
    Turnout: 5,718 ballot papers issued — 46.3%
    Candidates: Lesley Susan Steeds (Conservative) — 2,057; Nick Greenfield (Reform UK) — 2,055; Julia Florence Searle (Reform UK) — 1,901; Maureen June Young (Conservative) — 1,301; Judy Moore (Independent) — 1,000; Catherine Margaret Baart (Green) — 768; Richard Barry Fowler (Liberal Democrats) — 658; Dave Wilkes (Liberal Democrats) — 529; Freyja Jayne Chapman (Labour) — 277; Emba Miguel Jones (Labour) — 218.

    Long Ditton, Hinchley Wood & Weston Green
    Elected: Fran Fish (Liberal Democrats) — 2,651
    Elected: Neil Houston (Liberal Democrats) — 2,431
    Majority: 328 over Simon Francis Anthony Crome (Hinchley Wood Residents – Weston, Long Ditton)
    Turnout: 6,250 ballot papers issued — 52.2%
    Candidates: Fran Fish (Liberal Democrats) — 2,651; Neil Houston (Liberal Democrats) — 2,431; Simon Francis Anthony Crome (Hinchley Wood Residents – Weston, Long Ditton) — 2,103; Scott William Dodkins (Hinchley Wood Residents – Weston, Long Ditton) — 1,867; David Hall (Reform UK) — 658; Caroline Kim (Conservative) — 631; Jim Torpey (Reform UK) — 588; James Nicholas (Conservative) — 536; Lorna Malala Hayes (Green) — 379; Dalia Wickenden (Green) — 282; Nick Davies (Labour) — 115; Rachelle Claire Headland (Labour) — 93.

    Merstham & Banstead South
    Elected: Joel Gabriel (Green) — 1,589
    Elected: Shasha Khan (Green) — 1,544
    Majority: 108 over Paul Graham Hunt (Reform UK)
    Turnout: 4,920 ballot papers issued — 46.3%
    Candidates: Joel Gabriel (Green) — 1,589; Shasha Khan (Green) — 1,544; Paul Graham Hunt (Reform UK) — 1,436; Johnny Wolf (Reform UK) — 1,408; Frank Kelly (Conservative) — 1,026; Bob Gardner (Conservative) — 1,016; Jemma Louise de Vincenzo (Liberal Democrats) — 430; Graham John Burr (Liberal Democrats) — 406; Catherine Mary Barrett (Labour) — 385; Agnes Mellen Conroy (Labour) — 291.

    Nork & Tattenhams
    Elected: Peter Harp (Nork and Tattenhams Residents’ Associations) — 2,900
    Elected: Tim Snuggs (Nork and Tattenhams Residents’ Associations) — 2,549
    Majority: 1,136 over Steve Bastin (Reform UK)
    Turnout: 5,635 ballot papers issued — 47.5%
    Candidates: Peter Harp (Nork and Tattenhams Residents’ Associations) — 2,900; Tim Snuggs (Nork and Tattenhams Residents’ Associations) — 2,549; Steve Bastin (Reform UK) — 1,413; Elizabeth Cooper (Reform UK) — 1,402; Pamela Freeman (Conservative) — 693; Adrian Freeman (Conservative) — 653; Paul Holmes Chandler (Green) — 336; Lexi Lawrence (Liberal Democrats) — 271; Christian Oster (Green) — 251; Sam Lewin-Mearing (Liberal Democrats) — 221; Geoffrey Frank Woodhead (Labour) — 179; Martin Webb (Labour) — 149.

    Oxted
    Elected: Deb Shiner (Independent) — 2,216
    Elected: Cameron Robert Innes McIntosh (Conservative) — 2,180
    Majority: 384 over Bryan Bernard Black (Independent)
    Turnout: 5,951 ballot papers issued — 51.5%
    Candidates: Deb Shiner (Independent) — 2,216; Cameron Robert Innes McIntosh (Conservative) — 2,180; Bryan Bernard Black (Independent) — 1,796; William Charles Jarrett (Conservative) — 1,207; James Douglas Milmine (Reform UK) — 1,156; Michael Kevin O’Connor (Reform UK) — 907; Jessica Dracup-Holland (Green) — 558; Abigail Frances Chapman-Miller (Labour) — 446; Gillian Dawn Vischer (Green) — 352; Fredericka Hampson (Liberal Democrats) — 327; Will Howells (Liberal Democrats) — 311; Philip Son (Labour) — 222; Chris Dean (Heritage Party) — 42.

    Redhill East & North Earlswood
    Elected: Jonathan Christopher St Aubyn Essex (Green) — 2,798
    Elected: Stephen Hugh McKenna (Green) — 2,391
    Majority: 1,596 over Teresa Jacks (Reform UK)
    Turnout: 4,723 ballot papers issued — 45.9%
    Candidates: Jonathan Christopher St Aubyn Essex (Green) — 2,798; Stephen Hugh McKenna (Green) — 2,391; Teresa Jacks (Reform UK) — 795; Tom Foulser (Conservative) — 715; David Gordon Payne (Reform UK) — 685; Shysta Manzoor (Conservative) — 522; Martin Elbourne (Liberal Democrats) — 382; Stuart Nicholas Holmes (Liberal Democrats) — 341; Jack Ithell (Labour) — 270; Rosie Norgrove (Labour) — 261.

    Redhill West & Meadvale
    Elected: Nick Abear (Green) — 1,482
    Elected: Elly Heaton (Green) — 1,475
    Majority: 45 over Steve Kulka (Liberal Democrats)
    Turnout: 5,152 ballot papers issued — 49.4%
    Candidates: Nick Abear (Green) — 1,482; Elly Heaton (Green) — 1,475; Steve Kulka (Liberal Democrats) — 1,430; Richard Coad (Conservative) — 1,143; Gemma Mary Roulston (Liberal Democrats) — 1,132; Will de Save (Conservative) — 947; David William Bateman (Reform UK) — 895; Ian Geoffrey Covey (Reform UK) — 761; Elliott James Wragg (Labour and Co-operative) — 433; Antony Walter Robinson (Labour) — 394.

    Reigate
    Elected: Mark David Johnston (Liberal Democrats) — 2,054
    Elected: Mike Robinson (Liberal Democrats) — 1,878
    Majority: 43 over Jon Mears (Conservative)
    Turnout: 6,082 ballot papers issued — 54.5%
    Candidates: Mark David Johnston (Liberal Democrats) — 2,054; Mike Robinson (Liberal Democrats) — 1,878; Jon Mears (Conservative) — 1,835; Dharam Sharma (Conservative) — 1,493; Natasha Mari Lawrence (Green) — 882; Lisa Charters (Reform UK) — 880; Paul Martin Ingram (Green) — 834; Victor Henry Lewanski (Independent) — 778; Karolina Wolf (Reform UK) — 716; John Michael Berge (Labour) — 277; Rex William Giles (Labour) — 232.

    Tadworth, Walton & Kingswood
    Elected: Shelly Anneka Newton (Conservative) — 2,289
    Elected: George Richard Curry (Conservative) — 2,213
    Majority: 556 over Liam David Tomkins (Reform UK)
    Turnout: 5,727 ballot papers issued — 48.5%
    Candidates: Shelly Anneka Newton (Conservative) — 2,289; George Richard Curry (Conservative) — 2,213; Liam David Tomkins (Reform UK) — 1,657; Terry Sankarsingh (Reform UK) — 1,425; Zelanie Sue Cooper (Independent Network) — 1,181; Brian McGuirk (Green) — 506; Alistair Patrick Galbraith Morten (Green) — 441; Thomas Geoffrey Morgan Dalton (Liberal Democrats) — 426; Helen Alison Staddon (Liberal Democrats) — 414; Andrew Marius Kriek (Labour) — 219; Esme Lily Wright (Labour) — 218.

    Thames Ditton & East Molesey
    Elected: Sue Fergy (Liberal Democrats) — 2,108
    Elected: Vicky Zadeh (Liberal Democrats) — 1,865
    Majority: 189 over Sam Brierley (Thames Ditton Residents’ Association)
    Turnout: 5,229 ballot papers issued — 52.1%
    Candidates: Sue Fergy (Liberal Democrats) — 2,108; Vicky Zadeh (Liberal Democrats) — 1,865; Sam Brierley (Thames Ditton Residents’ Association) — 1,676; Kevin Whincup (The Molesey Residents Association) — 1,298; Charlotte Keywood (Conservative) — 792; Redmond Walsh (Conservative) — 570; Colin Greff (Reform UK) — 544; Paul Simmons (Reform UK) — 506; Leah Thomas (Green) — 352; James Antony Andrew Price (Green) — 289; Richard Quentin Lewis (Labour) — 137; Harry McKay (Labour) — 77.

    Walton South & Oatlands
    Elected: Kirsty Jane Hewens (Liberal Democrats) — 2,712
    Elected: Ashley Richard Tilling (Liberal Democrats) — 2,317
    Majority: 711 over Ann Meehan (Conservative)
    Turnout: 5,798 ballot papers issued — 49.2%
    Candidates: Kirsty Jane Hewens (Liberal Democrats) — 2,712; Ashley Richard Tilling (Liberal Democrats) — 2,317; Ann Meehan (Conservative) — 1,606; Dan Smith (Conservative) — 1,536; Candida Brook (Reform UK) — 1,032; Joe Torreson (Reform UK) — 877; Karen Hohler (Green) — 474; Andrew Christopher Kelly (The Walton Society) — 432; Susan Samantha Cope (Labour) — 162; Anthony Peter Charlesworth (Labour) — 131.

    Walton
    Elected: Nick Dodds (Liberal Democrats) — 2,315
    Elected: Joshua Noah Lambert (Liberal Democrats) — 1,864
    Majority: 629 over Gregor MacGregor (Independent)
    Turnout: 5,462 ballot papers issued — 45.3%
    Candidates: Nick Dodds (Liberal Democrats) — 2,315; Joshua Noah Lambert (Liberal Democrats) — 1,864; Gregor MacGregor (Independent) — 1,235; Wendy Hobbs (Reform UK) — 1,218; Gill Tovey (Reform UK) — 1,120; Barry James Frederick Cheyne (The Walton Society) — 1,075; Lloyd Soldatt (Conservative) — 562; Eddie Moriarty (Green) — 415; Rahul Verma (Conservative) — 373; Kyle Steven Napp (Green) — 254; Callum Stefan Dyer (Labour) — 181.

    Warlingham
    Elected: Jeremy Pursehouse (Independent) — 1,757
    Elected: Ryan James Jack Bloomfield (Reform UK) — 1,504
    Majority: 52 over Robin Kenneth Bloore (Conservative)
    Turnout: 5,103 ballot papers issued — 49.3%
    Candidates: Jeremy Pursehouse (Independent) — 1,757; Ryan James Jack Bloomfield (Reform UK) — 1,504; Robin Kenneth Bloore (Conservative) — 1,452; Natalie Jaimie Regine Butcher (Reform UK) — 1,388; Perry Chotai (Liberal Democrats) — 1,312; John Yorke (Conservative) — 822; Sarah Jane Stewart (Green) — 522; Andrew Gerald Waters (Labour) — 230; Pat Hunter (Labour) — 159.

    West Ewell
    Elected: Jeremy Paul Walker Smith (Liberal Democrats) — 1,815
    Elected: Sammi Villabon (Liberal Democrats) — 1,712
    Majority: 443 over Sarah Jane Chambers (Reform UK)
    Turnout: 5,069 ballot papers issued — 45.2%
    Candidates: Jeremy Paul Walker Smith (Liberal Democrats) — 1,815; Sammi Villabon (Liberal Democrats) — 1,712; Sarah Jane Chambers (Reform UK) — 1,269; Simon Chambers (Reform UK) — 1,239; Lucie Kimberley McIntyre (Residents Associations of Epsom and Ewell) — 678; Neil Andrew Dallen (Residents Associations of Epsom and Ewell) — 617; Neil John Friday (Green) — 429; Amandeep Singh Sandhawalia (Green) — 397; Christopher Charles Muller (Conservative) — 377; Rob Geleit (Labour) — 357; Tracy Margaret Muller (Conservative) — 345; Alex Coley (Independent) — 331; Paul Anthony Martin (Labour) — 310.

    West Molesey
    Elected: Steve Bax (Conservative) — 2,248
    Elected: Ernest Mallett (The Molesey Residents Association) — 1,410
    Majority: 148 over Sunny Cadman (Conservative)
    Turnout: 5,085 ballot papers issued — 49.1%
    Candidates: Steve Bax (Conservative) — 2,248; Ernest Mallett (The Molesey Residents Association) — 1,410; Sunny Cadman (Conservative) — 1,262; James Peter Kemp (Liberal Democrats) — 1,148; Stephen Paul Bown (Reform UK) — 987; Philip Peter Smith-Stevenson (Liberal Democrats) — 906; Larisa Marcu (Reform UK) — 696; Andrew Paul Dillon (Green) — 592; Joel Ashley Prujean-Skupski (Green) — 324; Susan Dennis (Labour) — 247.

    Weybridge
    Elected: Pippa Graeme (Liberal Democrats) — 2,334
    Elected: Eva Ferlez (Liberal Democrats) — 2,001
    Majority: 403 over Hilary Clare Butler (Conservative)
    Turnout: 5,748 ballot papers issued — 46.6%
    Candidates: Pippa Graeme (Liberal Democrats) — 2,334; Eva Ferlez (Liberal Democrats) — 2,001; Hilary Clare Butler (Conservative) — 1,598; Alistair David Mann (Conservative) — 1,169; Colin McFarlane (Reform UK) — 1,027; Peter Harman (Weybridge Independents) — 1,003; Moira Gill (Reform UK) — 989; Sandra Bartelik (Green) — 363; Brittany Janelle Johansson (Green) — 335; Gary John Dean (Labour) — 141; Helen Clare Pilmer (Labour and Co-operative) — 116.

    Notes: Several wards produced very narrow margins for the second seat, including Hersham, where the Conservative candidate John Cope won the second seat by six votes over Liberal Democrat Alistair William Price, Horley West, Salfords & Sidlow, where the Liberal Democrats’ Andrew Stevens was seven votes ahead of Reform UK’s Andy Lynch, and Reigate, where Liberal Democrat Mike Robinson was 43 votes ahead of Conservative Jon Mears. Candidate totals, turnout and rejected ballot figures are from the official ward result pages.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Foreign office Summons Chinese Ambassador [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Foreign office Summons Chinese Ambassador [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 May 2026.

    The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office summoned the Chinese Ambassador on Friday 8 May following convictions under the National Security Act.

    An FCDO spokesperson said: 

    On instruction from the Foreign Secretary, the Chinese Ambassador was summoned to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. This summons follows the conclusion of a case which resulted in convictions under the National Security Act to assist the Hong Kong authorities. 

    It was made clear that the UK will not tolerate any attempts by foreign states to intimidate, harass or harm individuals or communities in the UK, and that such activity constitutes a serious breach of the UK’s sovereignty. We will continue to use the full range of tools available to protect our security and hold China to account for actions which undermine our safety and democratic values.

  • NEWS STORY : Gordon Brown Appointed to Advise Starmer on Global Finance and Cooperation

    NEWS STORY : Gordon Brown Appointed to Advise Starmer on Global Finance and Cooperation

    STORY

    Sir Keir Starmer has appointed Gordon Brown as the Prime Minister’s Special Reviewer on Global Finance and Cooperation, with a brief to advise on international finance partnerships and the UK’s security and resilience.

    The former Prime Minister will report directly to Starmer in an unpaid, part-time role. Downing Street said Brown would examine how global finance cooperation can help build a stronger Britain, including through investment connected to defence and security.

    The appointment comes ahead of the UK taking on the G20 presidency next year. Brown will be tasked with developing new international finance partnerships, including measures linked to the UK’s relationship with Europe.

    As part of the role, he will engage with international leaders, finance institutions and private finance partners to help establish multilateral finance mechanisms. The work is expected to focus on ways of bringing together public and private funding to support strategic investment.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of Gordon Brown as the Prime Minister’s Special Reviewer on Global Finance and Cooperation [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of Gordon Brown as the Prime Minister’s Special Reviewer on Global Finance and Cooperation [May 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 9 May 2026.

    Keir Starmer has appointed Gordon Brown as the Prime Minister’s Special Reviewer on Global Finance and Cooperation today.

    The former Prime Minister will advise on how global finance cooperation can build a stronger Britain, boosting the country’s security and resilience.

    His appointment comes as the UK prepares to hold the Presidency of the G20 next year.

    He will be tasked with developing new international finance partnerships that can support defence and security-related investment, including measures that underpin the UK’s relationship with Europe.

    As part of the role he will engage with international leaders and finance institutions as well as private finance partners to establish multilateral finance mechanisms.

    Gordon Brown was Britain’s longest-serving modern Chancellor of the Exchequer.

    As Prime Minister, he worked with international counterparts as they responded to the worldwide financial crisis.

    In April 2009, he hosted the G20 Summit in London where world leaders pledged to make an additional $1.1 trillion available to help the world economy through the crisis and restore credit, growth and jobs.

    Gordon Brown will report directly to the to the Prime Minister. This is an unpaid part-time role.