New political map for Guildford Borough Council

Guildford is set to have new boundaries for its council wards.

New wards for Guildford
Click map for high resolution version
Credit: contains Ordnance Survey data (c) Crown copyright and database rights 2022

The Local Government Boundary Commission is the independent body that draws these boundaries. It has reviewed Guildford to make sure councillors will represent about the same number of electors, and that ward arrangements will help the council work effectively.  

The Commission has published final recommendations for changes in Guildford. It says residents should be represented by 48 councillors. This is the same as the current arrangements.  

There will be 21 wards, one less than there are now. The councillors will represent eight three-councillor wards, 11 two-councillor wards and two one-councillor wards. The boundaries of most wards should change. 

Publishing the recommendations Professor Colin Mellors, Chair of the Commission, said: 

“We are very grateful to people in Guildford. We looked at all the views they gave us. They helped us improve our earlier proposals.  

 “We believe the new arrangements will guarantee electoral fairness while maintaining local ties.”   

59 people and organisations made comments to help decide the new wards. Changes in response to what local people said include:  

• A revised two-councillor Pilgrims ward and the retention of the existing Shalford ward based on local evidence received  
• Ward name changes in Guildford town 

The Commission has made further changes to its earlier proposals. Details can be found on its website.

Parliament now needs to agree the changes. The new arrangements will then apply for the 2023 council elections.    

Ends/ 

Notes to editors:  

This consultation relates to the arrangements for local government elections. It is separate from consultations that are currently taking place across England on arrangements for parliamentary elections. 

For further information contact the Commission’s press office on 0330 500 1525 / 1250 or email press@lgbce.org.uk  

An interactive map is available here.

The Local Government Boundary Commission for England is an independent body accountable to Parliament. It recommends fair electoral and boundary arrangements for local authorities in England. In doing so, it aims to: 

• Make sure that, within an authority, each councillor represents a similar number of electors 
• Create boundaries that are appropriate, and reflect community ties and identities 
• Deliver reviews informed by local needs, views and circumstance