Dale Laymanis the Reform UK candidate for the 16th October Guildford South East ward by-election in Surrey. We spoke with Dale about his decision to stand.
“Like many people, I felt let down by the Conservatives, while Labour and the Liberal Democrats offer nothing more than managed decline. Reform UK is different”
Can you introduce yourself to our readers, and tell us what made you decide to run?
My name is Dale Layman, and I’ve lived in Guildford for over 30 years. After training for three years in Eastbourne, I began my career as a state-registered chiropodist in the NHS before moving into pharmaceutical sales. From “carrying the bag” as a representative, I worked my way up to become a national sales manager, enjoying more than 20 years of success in the industry before taking early retirement.
I joined Reform UK because, quite simply, I was tired of just complaining about the state of the country. Like many people, I felt let down by the Conservatives, while Labour and the Liberal Democrats offer nothing more than managed decline. Reform UK is different. We believe in controlled borders, safe streets, freedom of speech, hard work rewarded on merit, and energy security based on common sense, not net-zero dogma.
I didn’t join this party to make up the numbers. I believe my skills and drive can help take Reform forward locally and, in doing so, make a real difference to the lives of my fellow residents. Standing as a candidate is the obvious next step.
“Residents deserve practical, affordable policies that deliver real benefits — not expensive, ideological experiments”
You’re the candidate for Guildford South East ward. What are the main concerns in the area?
In Guildford South East, the concerns mirror those across much of Guildford — and Surrey as a whole — and they are deeply troubling. Residents pay some of the highest council taxes in the country but receive some of the poorest services in return.
Guildford Borough Council’s flagship Weyside Urban Village project is running a multi-million-pound deficit, while auditors have issued a “disclaimer of opinion” on the council’s accounts — a red flag for taxpayers. Meanwhile, developments such as the Guildford Cathedral site and North Street remain stalled, blocked, or watered down.
Housing pressures must be addressed, but building more homes is not enough — the infrastructure must come with it: schools, roads, and social care. I will prioritise brownfield regeneration, sustainable communities, and smarter use of derelict sites over unsustainable greenfield sprawl.
I also want to see common-sense transport policies that support motorists rather than punish them. That means opposing ULEZ-style charges, blanket 20mph zones, unaffordable energy schemes, and costly Vision Zero measures. Residents deserve practical, affordable policies that deliver real benefits — not expensive, ideological experiments.
What do you see as the major issues more widely in Surrey, and if elected, what do you hope to champion?
The challenges across Surrey are systemic. Financial mismanagement and poor decision-making have left Surrey County Council’s debt soaring by 48% in just one year — from £728.9 million to £1.07 billion. That burden falls directly on taxpayers and drains money away from vital services such as schools, roads, libraries, and social care.
If elected, I will fight to stop wasteful projects and restore financial discipline. Surrey residents deserve transparency, accountability and value for money. My priorities are:
- Sound finances: tackling mismanagement so taxpayers’ money funds frontline services, not vanity schemes.
- Sensible housing policy: development that’s planned responsibly, with infrastructure and services to match.
- Transport freedom: rejecting punitive, anti-car policies and supporting measures that genuinely ease congestion and improve safety.
Above all, I want Surrey residents to feel their voices are heard, their money is respected, and their concerns are acted upon.
“The challenges across Surrey are systemic. Financial mismanagement and poor decision-making have left Surrey County Council’s debt soaring by 48% in just one year”
How can people find out more or get involved in the campaign?
If you’d like to get involved, please email our Chair, Graham Drage, at chair.guildford@guildfordreform.uk
