The Farnham Residents Group has launched its campaign ahead of the West Surrey unitary elections on May 7.

The group unveiled its 2026 campaign this week on a cold morning in central Farnham, but the weather did not deter residents from stopping to speak to the six candidates standing in the three wards up for election.

The Farnham Residents Group has selected Michaela Martin and George Murray for Farnham South, Andy MacLeod and David Beaman for Farnham Central, and Catherine Powell and Sally Dixon for Farnham North.

The group said local government reform represents a significant moment of change and that residents want a more practical, less tribal approach to politics — one focussed on results rather than party lines.

Formed in 2015, the Farnham Residents group split from the major parties to provide a Farnham-focused approach at town, borough and county level.

Traffic and transport remain among residents’ biggest concerns locally. The group is calling for practical improvements to bus services, safer walking and cycling routes, and action on congestion.

Parking is another long-standing issue. In a statement, the group said: “Farnham’s car parks provide 50 percent of parking revenue across Waverley, and while we’ve secured cheaper parking in Brightwells, kept free Sunday parking and pushed for fairer charges, there is more to do.

“We will continue pressing for investment in car parks that are overdue for repair. Road safety is equally important, including long-awaited improvements at Wrecclesham Bridge. Our work has already delivered new footpaths, Surrey’s first two School Streets and wider parking surveys to protect danger spots.”

The new West Surrey authority will inherit a £4-billion debt, and the group said its priority is to work constructively with councillors of all parties and with the Government to strengthen financial stability while protecting essential services.

The group said: “We know compromise will sometimes be necessary, but our focus will always remain on what works for residents. We have sometimes been labelled ‘parochial’, yet standing up for Farnham has never stopped us contributing positively to Surrey as a whole.

“We support new homes where communities back them and where infrastructure is in place. We have consistently fought against speculative development schemes that come forward without proper planning, community support or long-term thinking.

“We’ve campaigned on specific planning matters, including raising concerns about inappropriate development at the Centrum site. Protecting the character and heritage of our town is central to this work.”

The group said it wants to see Brambleton Park transformed into a vibrant and accessible green space for residents. It also highlighted securing major asset transfers from Waverley to Farnham Town Council to ensure they remain protected for generations.

The group said that as West Surrey enters a period of transition, its commitment remains unchanged, adding it will continue to listen, engage and stand up for Farnham, its residents, businesses and communities.

The Herald will report on the campaigns of other parties standing in the West Surrey election in the coming weeks.