The Green Party has won a crucial by-election in Reigate and Banstead that could impact the balance of power on the council.
Nick Abear, who also serves on East Surrey Shadow Council, won the ward of Hooley, Merstham and Netherne following yesterday’s election.
This by-election was called following the death of Councillor Mus Tary, who sadly passed away in June.
Councillor Abear told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): “I’m absolutely thrilled and delighted to have been elected in the Merstham, Hooley and Netherne by-election.
“Thank you to everyone who put their trust in me, and to the many volunteers who gave up their time to help us.
“I look forward to building on the excellent work that Shasha Khan and Joel Gabriel have been doing in the ward, and to working hard for all our residents over the coming months.”
The result represents a Green gain from the Conservative Party at a time when the Tories have held a slender balance of power in Reigate and Banstead.
The Greens will now have a total of 15 seats on the council against the Conservatives 16, while the Green and Redhill Independent group combined matches the Tories’ total.
In 2022, the full council election saw the Conservatives lose five seats, with the council remaining under no overall control.
However, this council will cease to exist in April, when the current district councils are abolished along with Surrey County Council to make way for the new West and East Surrey Councils.
Fellow Green ward councillor Shasha Khan told the LDRS: “I’m thrilled for Nick to be joining Joel and me to serve everyone in our ward.
“In 2023, I got 37.4 per cent. In 2024 Joel got 38.4 per cent, and in 2026 Nick has won with 41.8 per cent.
“This shows that where Greens get elected, they work hard for the community, resulting in voters wanting more.”
The full results are as follows:
- Nick Abear (Green Party) 42%
- Johnny Wolf (Reform UK) 24%
- Jon Mears (Conservative) 20%
- Tina Siobhan Cohen (Liberal Democrats) 7%
- Catherine Mary Drapans (Labour) 6%
James Moules Local Democracy Reporter
Nick With Partner And Green Councillors (Credit: Joel Gabriel)