Do Residents Councillors have a future in local politics?

The nearby Surrey Councils in Elmbridge and Epsom&Ewell have a long tradition of non-party councillors sponsored by Residents Associations and local amenity societies. But this seems to be on the wain. Elmbridge has moved steadily towards Tory overall control in the past 2 elections. A further test of support comes in a by-election in Walton Ambleside ward on 9 August following resignation of the surprise Conservative winner in 2006, by most accounts a 'paper' candidate who didn't expect to win.