Prominent Residents Association Councillor leaves the fold ›

Councillor Alex Coley, who has represented Ruxley Ward in Ewell for seven years, has announced his resignation from the ruling Residents’ Association (RA) group, opting to serve as an Independent councillor. In his resignation letter addressed to RA Group Chair Hannah Dalton (RA Stoneleigh) on 11 February 2025, Cllr Coley expressed deep concerns about the council’s financial trajectory and his inability to support the proposed 2025/26 budget.

Throughout his tenure, Cllr Coley has been instrumental in advancing several key initiatives, including the Climate Change Action Plan, the Homelessness & Rough Sleeping Strategy, and the Community Safety Strategy. He also played a pivotal role in enhancing governance and transparency as Vice Chair of Audit & Scrutiny and of Standards & Constitution.

He also stood as an independent candidate in the last election for Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner receiving a highly creditable 16% (42,062) of the vote being just a little less than half the votes cast for the Conservative Party incumbent Lisa Townsend.

He was an independent minded Councillor on 22nd March 2023 when he walked out of a Full Council meeting protesting the ruling group’s pause progressing the Local Plan.

His recent efforts to promote Epsom & Ewell as a cultural and creative destination led him to uncover unsettling truths about the council’s finances and property management. “In my pursuit of this goal, I have uncovered many unhappy truths about our finances and the properties we own and operate for the benefit of our residents,” he stated in his letter.

Cllr Coley voiced apprehension about the council’s financial sustainability, indicating that he believes the council may face insolvency by 2026. “I have thought for some time that 2026 is the year this Council runs out of money,” he remarked, highlighting a lack of clarity and planning for this potential outcome.

The RA group has maintained majority control of Epsom and Ewell Borough Council since its formation in 1937. In the 2023 local elections, the RA secured 26 out of 35 seats, reaffirming its dominant position. Despite this longstanding control, the council has faced financial challenges. In February 2021, RA leader Eber Kington acknowledged a £5.8 million deficit, underscoring the fiscal difficulties confronting the council.

Cllr Coley’s departure from the RA group underscores the ongoing concerns about the council’s financial health and the need for transparent and effective fiscal management. As he transitions to an Independent role, he remains committed to collaborating with residents’ groups to serve the best interests of the community.

The council approved the 2025/26 budget. The budget includes a 2.98% increase in the borough council portion of council tax, equating to an additional £6.75 per year for the average Band D property. Despite this increase, Epsom & Ewell’s council tax remains below the average for Surrey.

Planning or pantomime? Councillors press pause on Plan.