The Chair and Vice-Chair represent the Council at local community events and outside functions and are civic roles. Both are appointed for a year at the Annual Meeting of the Council in May.
If you would like to invite the Chair of the Council to attend a local event, for example to open a fete, make a speech or as a guest, please contact the Chair's Secretary. Once they have confirmed availability you will need to complete a Chair's form.
Chair for 2026-2027
Our current Chair is Councillor Deb Shiner.
Deb lives in Oxted with her partner, Alan who will be her Consort. She has represented the Oxted South Ward since 2021 and is Chair of the Community Services. She is also a member of the Housing Committee and Vice-Chair of the Licensing Committee.
Deb has lived in Hurst Green with her partner since 2012 and is involved in the local community. She and Alan, along with local volunteers, help organise a Christmas Day lunch at the Hurst Green Community Centre.
Deb is looking forward to supporting the wide variety of events and engagements she will attend as Chair of the Council.
The Chair’s chosen charities for the year are:
Hurst Green Community Centre: A charity run centre which provides space for community activities, including a pre-school nursery and youth club, as well as social and leisure opportunities for residents.
Brake: A road safety charity which works to prevent traffic accidents, reduce harm on roads and support victims and bereaved families affected by serious road incidents.
Please complete the Chair's form if you would like to invite the Chair to an event.
Leader of the Council
The Leader of the Council is Councillor Catherine Sayer, who represents the Oxted North Ward. The Leader is the political and elected head and chief ambassador of the Council. The role is given to the leader of the biggest political group on the Council.