2021 Stephen Cooksey

Stephen Cooksey - Surrey County Council Candidate

Stephen is currently Leader of Mole Valley District Council and a member of Surrey County Council. He is one of the most experienced Councillors in the country having served as an elected Councillor for 48 of the past 50 years - the 2 year gap was when a career change required a move from the North of England to the South. He has served on 5 different authorities including 8 years as Leader of the Liberal (Democrat) Group on Leeds City Council and 2 periods as Leader of the Group on Mole Valley Council.

He has been a member of Mole Valley Council representing Dorking South since 1992 and Council Leader since 2019, successfully steering the Mole Valley Group through the challenges of Council control; and has been a member of Surrey County Council representing Dorking South and the Holmwoods since 2005. Following a career in higher education, he retired from a senior post at the Open University in 2010 and has been a full time Councillor for the past 10 years.

He believes that being a member of both authorities is important because it allows a greater understanding of the role of each authority and a perspective on how the services provided by each compliments the other. It encourages co-operation rather than conflict which has to be of value to the community. Stephen is involved in a wide range of local organisations and has been able to help many community groups to progress their objectives.