New Leader for Spelthorne 

Cllr Neall, Leader of the Council and Cllr Bateson, Deputy Leader of the Council
Cllr Greg Neall was elected as Leader of Spelthorne Borough Council at its Annual Council Meeting on Wednesday 20 May. Cllr Neall, of the Liberal Democrats, was elected as Councillor for the Ashford Town ward in 2025. 

Speaking after his election to the position, Cllr Neall said, “To be elected Leader of Spelthorne Borough Council and to guide the authority into West Surrey is a great honour. There is significant work ahead, including delivering Local Government Reorganisation and ensuring financial resilience, while continuing to support our residents, communities and staff. I would like to personally thank Cllr Joanne Sexton for her service and exemplary dedication as Leader of Spelthorne Borough Council over the last three years. 

Cllr Chris Bateson was re-elected as Deputy Leader following Cllr Neall’s appointment as Leader. He was first elected to the Council to represent Staines South in 2019. 

Speaking after his election, Cllr Bateson said, “Our priority is to safeguard the parts of the Borough that mean the most to our communities as we transition towards West Surrey. We will work closely with our partners to secure the services and resources that residents need and deserve.”  

Spelthorne Borough Council operates a Committee model of governance structure, with each Committee having delegated responsibilities, you can read the functions of each Committee here. The appointment of Spelthorne Council’s Committee Chairs and Vice Chairs was also agreed at the meeting:     

Strategic Committee   Elected Chair   

Elected Vice Chair   

  

Corporate Policy and Resources   Cllr Neall  Cllr Bateson  
Business Infrastructure and Growth   Cllr Williams   Cllr Gyawali 
Community Wellbeing and Housing   Cllr S. Doran   Cllr Attewell  
Environment and Sustainability   Cllr Turner  Cllr Boughtflower 

  

Regulatory Committee   Elected Chair    Elected Vice Chair   
Audit    Cllr Button   Cllr Howkins  
Investigating and Disciplinary   Cllr Woodward   Vacant  
Licensing   Cllr Barker  Cllr Lee  
Planning   Cllr Gibson   Cllr Geraci  

  

Cllr Sandra Dunn was elected as the new Mayor for Spelthorne and Cllr Michele Gibson as Deputy Mayor. You can read about the Mayor of Spelthorne’s chosen charities at www.spelthorne.gov.uk/mayor   

Last modified: 21/05/2026