Councillors Biography
Andy Smith
Ashtead Lanes & Common
Andy Smith has lived in Ashtead since 1995, having grown up in Leatherhead and attended Therfield School before moving (briefly) to London in his twenties. He is a journalist by profession, with experience ranging from reporting and sub-editing for newspapers and magazines to senior communications roles in government agencies. He is currently self-employed as a writer and editor. He was elected as Independent Councillor for Ashtead Lanes and Common, the ward in which he lives, in May 2024.
An experienced campaigner for the countryside, Andy has had a longstanding involvement with conservation charities, both as a volunteer and as consultant/adviser, including the Campaign to Protect Rural England, the London Green Belt Council and the Wildlife Aid Foundation. He is committed to preserving the rural character of Ashtead and protecting the green spaces so vital for people’s health and wellbeing, as well as for nature and wildlife – and where he is often to be seen walking with his dog and grandchildren!
A Trustee of several charities, Andy is a Life Fellow (and Past-President) of the Chartered Institute of Journalists, a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and a Freeman of the City of London.
Patricia Wiltshire
Ashtead Lanes & Common
I have lived in Surrey 50 years, most of them in Ashtead. I am a visiting Professor at the University of Southampton (in Forensic Ecology), and an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Aberdeen. I have spent most of my life engaged in research and lecturing at King’s College, and University College, University of London. For the last 24 years, I have worked actively as a Forensic Ecologist, continuing as private consultant when I retired from university employment in 2004. I am an experienced expert witness, and have been involved in many very high profile criminal cases. I am married and have no children of my own although I am step-grandmother to two little boys. My great concern is that we protect our whole environment (both the natural and the built) from being despoiled by ignorance, carelessness, and greed. I aim to be accessible to the constituents in my ward, and hope they will be confident that I will help them whatever their political affiliation. I will always respond as effectively as I can to their questions and problems. ​
Contact Patricia
Email: councillor.wiltshire@molevalley.gov.uk
Tel: 01372 272087
Garry Stansfield
Ashtead Park
Garry has always lived in Surrey and moved from Epsom to Ashtead with his wife and then two young children in 1993 attracted by Ashtead’s schools, but also its semi-rural surroundings and safe village feel. Garry quickly joined the Ashtead Residents’ Association Standing Committee, serving for 23 years before standing down due to the 2018 local election.
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Garry is a qualified Engineer and a Member of the Institute of Engineering and Technology. His technical innovation has provided an exciting and rewarding career in both Communications and Automotive electronic design engineering and business development. During his career Garry has served on the UK NICC and ITU of the United Nations.
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He brings these skills to the council looking at problem solving and creating ways to improve Mole Valley for the benefit of all residents and the community. Garry also takes a keen interest in trying to improve Ashtead whilst preserving the character of the village and involving residents in matters that may affect them.
Garry welcomes contact and tries to respond quickly and efficiently to email. As he is still in full time employment, it may not always be practical to answer the telephone.
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Contact Garry
Email: councillor.stansfield@molevalley.gov.uk
Tel: 07544 102119
Mary Cooper
Ashtead Park
Mary was raised in Surrey, attending St Philomenas School in Carshalton. After graduating from Reading University with a degree in Food Science she worked in various management positions for both Unilever plc and Sainsbury Supermarkets plc. She has represented the British Retail Consortium at Technical Committee level and governmental legislative review. She is currently a freelance food safety consultant. She is married with 2 children that attended local schools and has lived in Ashtead since 2000. Mary has previously acted as Local Authority appointed Governor at Greville School. She has been actively involved in St Michael’s Parish church helping deliver the Holy Communion programme as well as supporting school PTA activities. Outside interests include tennis, epée fencing, musical theatre and countryside walks. She is a Trustee of the Ashtead United Charities Almshouse. She is involved with the Friends of Ashtead Youth Club Trustees in seeking funding to ensure we continue to deliver Youth activity in the area.
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Contact Mary
Email: councillor.cooper@molevalley.gov.uk
Tel: 01372 273489
Gerry Sevenoaks
Ashtead Park
Gerry has lived in Ashtead for over 22 years and lives with his partner Elaine.
He was born in Datchet, a village outside Windsor where he attended Grammar School. After graduating from Brunel University he joined a leading International Consultancy Firm undertaking projects in both the private and public sectors . He has worked on a number of projects in Eastern Europe and has also undertaken senior roles in Local Government. Gerry has in the past served as a Councillor for Elmbridge BC.
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Gerry is an active member of several community groups in the Ashtead area including the Arts Society Ashtead Rotary and Leatherhead theatre and is committed to supporting Ashtead's voluntary organisations and businesses.
Gerry also helps run History Groups and is a keen sportsman - sadly now watching not playing !
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To contact Gerry
Email: To be confirmed
Tel. 01372 277080
Chris Hunt
Ashtead Lanes & Common
Chris Hunt has lived in Ashtead since 1996 and was first elected onto Mole Valley Council in 2003 to represent Ashtead Village Ward, the area he lives in. He is now on his fifth term as a local councillor.
Chris is a member of the Development Management committee, which considers planning applications across Mole Valley. He is has also previously sat on the Local Plan Working Group and chaired the Affordable Housing Working Group. He regularly meets with Chris Grayling, Ashtead's MP, and with other District and County Councillors.
Chris takes a keen interest in trying to improve Ashtead while preserving the character of the village and is particularly committed to consulting residents over matters that may affect them.
On the domestic front, Chris is married to a teacher and they have three children.
Chris welcomes being contacted by letter, email or telephone.
Contact Chris
email: councillor.hunt@molevalley.gov.uk
Tel: 07725 174146