HASLEMERE residents will not just be voting for who they want to represent them on the town council and Waverley borough, but also at county level.

The town was hit by a ‘double whammy’ in March after its Conservative county councillor Richard Hampson resigned and fellow Tory and Hindhead borough councillor Christiaan Hesse was disqualified due to non attendance.

Going head-to-head for the Surrey seat in what looks set to be a close fight is Independent candidate Nikki Barton, who served as county councillor from 2013-2017, and Tory Malcolm Carter, who was town mayor from 2017-2018. They are both standing again to continue as town councillors.

In a show of support for Mrs Barton, both the Liberal Democrats and the Green Party decided not to put up candidates to avoid splitting the vote and “in the hope she can win again”.

Striking a blow for Labour is Grayswood engineer Adrian La Porta, who is standing as Haslemere county councillor, and also Haslemere borough and town councillor.

Nikki Barton says: “Surrey County Council is responsible for so much that affects our daily lives – social care, health, highways, schools and learning, libraries, waste and recycling. Budgets are being slashed. Key services are under threat. Haslemere needs a councillor to show up and champion our town again.

When I was county councillor (2013 – 2017), I threw myself into the role with energy, and a deep commitment to serve the community with passion, transparency and engagement. I worked hard, listened and built trust.”

Malcolm Carter says: “A local resident for 18 years, I have been part of the 3 Counties Money Advice team for ten years helping those less well off.

Elected a town councillor in 2015, I became the council’s highways representative, and during my mayoral year in 2017-18 I was instrumental in saving the Hunter Centre for Dementia, and instigated the petition to save the town’s toilets.”

Adrian La Porta says: “Democracy for Surrey: I will argue for transparency and more devolution of powers from central government. Surrey needs its fair share of resources. The Tory council accepts the continuing cuts imposed by Westminster, impoverishing local services across Britain.

A Labour voice will be a voice for the poorest families in Surrey.”*See April 25 Haslemere Herald for full statements by three county council candidates and 40 district and borough candidates. See April 18 edition for 33 town council candidates