Story perspectives

Liberal Democrat Secures Rename Vote, £4.5bn Debt Looms

7/31/2026

Summary

Story summary

Liberal Democrat councillor Harry Bopari won a 58-to-15 vote to ask the government to rename authority West Surrey and South Middlesex Council.
Opposition leader Jane Austin called the name cumbersome and warned of division as the motion is tabled before the West Surrey Shadow Authority.
The merger will inherit £4.5 billion of debt and add Spelthorne.
TV astrologer Russell Grant, who opposed abolition of Middlesex County Council, backed the name change.

1 of 1

Story summary

Liberal Democrat councillor Harry Bopari won a 58-to-15 vote to ask the government to rename authority West Surrey and South Middlesex Council.
Opposition leader Jane Austin called the name cumbersome and warned of division as the motion is tabled before the West Surrey Shadow Authority.
The merger will inherit £4.5 billion of debt and add Spelthorne.
TV astrologer Russell Grant, who opposed abolition of Middlesex County Council, backed the name change.