Government confirms Mayor of Spelthorne will continue after local government reorganisation

11 November 2026

Spelthorne's proud civic traditions, including the role of Mayor of Spelthorne, are set to continue after local government reorganisation, following confirmation from the Government that Charter Trustees will be established for the borough.

Earlier this year, Spelthorne Borough Council agreed to seek Charter Trustee status to safeguard the Office of Mayor and preserve the borough's civic identity after the reorganisation of local government in Surrey.

In a letter to Surrey council leaders, Jim McMahon, Minister for Local Government, Devolution and Regional Growth, confirmed that the Government intends to establish Charter Trustees for Spelthorne, Epsom and Ewell, and the unparished areas of Elmbridge, Surrey Heath and Woking through supplementary legislation. The draft order is expected to be laid before Parliament early next year, ahead of the creation of the new West Surrey Council on 1 April 2027.

Charter Trustees are a legal body established to preserve a town or borough's civic traditions when local government structures change. In Spelthorne, this will allow the borough's Mayor, Deputy Mayor and associated ceremonial functions to continue after the current council is abolished.

Under the proposed arrangements, councillors elected to West Surrey Council for wards within the Charter Trustee area (i.e. councillors elected to West Surrey representing Spelthorne wards) would become Charter Trustees. They would be responsible for maintaining Spelthorne's civic traditions and electing a Mayor and Deputy Mayor each year from one of their number. Charter Trustees do not operate as a local authority and have no responsibility for delivering council services or making local government decisions.

Cllr Joanne Sexton, Leader of Spelthorne Borough Council, said: "We are delighted that the Government has recognised the importance of preserving Spelthorne's civic identity and traditions. The Mayor plays a valued role in bringing our communities together, supporting charities and representing the borough at important local events. This confirmation provides reassurance that these traditions can continue for future generations following local government reorganisation."