The Conservative Councillors of Surrey are calling for the immediate resignation of Paul Follows, the Liberal Democrat Leader of Waverley Borough Council, following shocking video footage that has cast a dark shadow over the integrity of local government.
In a damning revelation, a video recording surfaced showing Cllr Follows asking the Joint Chief Executive to skew officer reports in favour of three unitary authorities. Even more disturbing, the Joint CEO of Waverley and Guildford is heard confirming, "he is doing that anyway." This blatant act of political manipulation was clearly never meant to be caught on camera, as the subsequent portion of the video was muted before the meeting officially commenced. The clip was then deleted from the public recording, raising serious questions about transparency and accountability.
A Clear Breach of the Councillor Code of Conduct
The Local Government Association Model Councillor Code of Conduct is explicit in its expectations of councillors. It states:
“We have both an individual and collective responsibility to meet these expectations by maintaining high standards and demonstrating good conduct, and by challenging behaviour that falls below expectations.”
Furthermore, it outlines that councillors must not attempt to compromise the impartiality of officers, nor should they coerce or persuade them to act in a way that undermines their neutrality. Yet, that is exactly what Paul Follows has been caught doing on camera. This is not a matter of interpretation; it is indisputable evidence of misconduct.
A Pattern of Political Corruption
This latest scandal is not an isolated incident—it is part of an ongoing pattern of behaviour by Cllr Follows. Throughout the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) process, he has consistently sought to push his own political agenda at the expense of fair and impartial governance. His motivation is clear: to manipulate the system to benefit his party and secure his re-election, regardless of the rules or ethical responsibilities he is supposed to uphold.
Cllr Jane Austin, Leader of the Waverley Conservative Group, rightly stated:
“We all fear lapses like this happen, but it is rare that we see clear evidence of it caught on camera. The Leader appears to be in breach of the LGA Code of Conduct that Councillors are bound by. This is indicative of Cllr Follows’ ongoing actions throughout this Local Government Reorganisation process.”
A Pathetic Attempt at Damage Control
Paul Follows has attempted to brush this scandal under the rug with a weak and partial apology, but the people of Surrey deserve better. As Mike Brennan, Chairman of the Surrey Area Conservatives, put it: “We understand Paul Follows has offered a partial apology, but on behalf of Surrey residents, we must reiterate – this just isn’t good enough. Paul Follows must resign. Councillors’ faith in the whole process is now in doubt because of this shoddy behaviour.”
The Time for Resignation Is Now
Cllr Bernie Muir, Conservative Group Leader on Epsom & Ewell Council, put it best when she stated:
“I cannot believe what I have seen on video. Cllr Paul Follows must step down. He has single-handedly cast a shadow over the integrity of this whole process.”
The people of Surrey expect and deserve leadership that upholds the highest standards of integrity. Paul Follows has failed this test. His continued presence in office is an insult to the democratic process and a stain on local government.
Paul Follows must resign. Now.