New Chairman elected for 2023-2024
Tandridge District Council’s Chairman for 2023-2024 is Councillor Chris Botten. The previous Chairman, Councillor Jackie Wren, presented him with the ceremonial chain of office when he was elected at last night’s Annual Council meeting.
The Vice-Chairman of the Council, also elected at last night’s meeting, is Councillor Sue Farr, who represents the Burstow, Horne and Outwood Ward.
Chris has lived in Caterham since 1992, representing the Portley Ward since 1996 (with one year’s break in 2015-2016). He has been the Chairman of the Community Services Committee and was Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group for fifteen years.
He has been the Chair of Caterham on the Hill Parish Council, chairing a number of public meetings about key local issues including flooding. This raised awareness with statutory agencies about the effect of extreme rainfall and its impact on Caterham on the Hill’s old drainage system.
Chris co-founded the Westway, a busy and vibrant community hub in Caterham on the Hill.
Chris was the headteacher of a large state school, after which he joined the NHS, retiring from his role as a Programme Director in 2013. As a Surrey Leader of Governance, Chris spent many years as chair of governors of various local primary schools. During his year in office, Chris pledges to raise awareness of the vital work voluntary school governors contribute to schools, teachers and pupils in the district.
Having experienced serious mental health problems himself, Chris has been a trustee and supporter of several mental health charities, including Chair of East Surrey Mencap.
The Chairman’s chosen charities for the year are:
The Chairman is married to Lucy Darlow, a well known local charity worker and she will be his Consort.