Reform Guildford’s Candidates for the West Surrey Unitary Elections
Dale Layman – Guildford West
Dale Layman is Reform Guildford’s candidate for Guildford West, bringing extensive professional experience and a strong commitment to public service.
Raised in north-east London, Dale began his career in the NHS as a chiropodist in Eastbourne before moving into pharmaceutical sales. Over a 30-year career, he developed a distinguished track record in sales management, leading teams to deliver consistently high performance and measurable results.
Now retired, Dale is dedicating his time and expertise to supporting his local community and advancing Reform’s vision for effective, accountable local government. He is a firm advocate of common-sense policies that promote enterprise, reward merit, and ensure support is directed to those most in need.
Dale believes local government should focus on delivering value for money, cutting waste, and prioritising frontline services that protect and strengthen the community. He is committed to representing residents who feel overlooked and to restoring honesty, accountability, and financial discipline to Guildford Borough Council.
Aidan Sallis – Guildford North
Aidan Sallis is Reform Guildford’s candidate for Guildford North and has called Guildford home for several years, having grown up nearby in Shepperton.
He chose Guildford for its strong community, vibrant local economy, and access to green space—qualities he is committed to preserving while supporting responsible and sustainable growth.
Aidan began his career as an officer in the Royal Navy, where he developed leadership, discipline, and a strong sense of public service. He later worked in recruitment for local government, gaining valuable insight into council operations and the inefficiencies that can undermine effective delivery. He now works in a Guildford-based technology consultancy supporting defence and public sector clients.
Drawing on both his military and professional experience, Aidan is focused on practical solutions to the challenges facing Guildford North, including fair investment, appropriate housing, and the delivery of reliable public services. He is committed to representing residents with clarity, integrity, and a strong sense of accountability.
Dennis Paul – Guildford East
Dennis Paul is Reform Guildford’s candidate for Guildford East (Merrow and Burpham) and has lived in Guildford for over 25 years, where he has raised his family and been actively involved in the local community.
He has built a long and senior career in housing and local government and currently serves as Head of Environmental Services for a major London authority. His work has involved managing frontline services and collaborating closely with resident groups to improve local environments.
Dennis brings significant experience in public office, having previously served as a councillor for Holy Trinity Ward in 2015. He has also held positions on the board of Guildford Holdings, overseeing private rented accommodation provision, and as a trustee of Abbots Hospital and Addison Court sheltered housing.
With the transition to a new West Surrey unitary authority, Dennis believes strong experience and sound judgement will be essential to ensure accountability and effective delivery. He is committed to protecting the local environment, supporting appropriate housing with the right infrastructure, improving flood management, and keeping waterways clean.
Dennis is also focused on supporting local businesses, reducing unnecessary council spending, and ensuring working households receive better value for money. He is determined to ensure residents’ voices are heard and represented during a period of significant local change.
Ben Bispham – Guildford North
Ben Bispham is a local business owner and IT support specialist working with residents and small businesses across the Guildford area.
His work is rooted in practical problem-solving, helping people address real issues through clear communication and reliable service. Through his day-to-day interactions with families, older residents, and business owners, he has developed a strong understanding of the challenges facing the community.
Ben is standing for election because he believes too many residents feel unheard and underserved by local government. He is committed to improving transparency, accountability, and value for money, and to ensuring the council focuses on delivery rather than bureaucracy.
He is not a career politician, but brings a service-oriented mindset where outcomes matter. Ben aims to be an accessible and responsive councillor who listens carefully, communicates clearly, and challenges poor decision-making when necessary.
Rob Abrams – Guildford East
Rob Abrams is Reform Guildford’s candidate for Guildford East and has lived in Boxgrove for the past 20 years, having previously lived in east London.
He built his career in IT hardware, working primarily at the Bank of England. His background provides both technical expertise and an understanding of organisational efficiency, alongside personal experience of the social challenges facing both urban and suburban communities.
Rob believes local government should focus on core responsibilities and deliver value for residents. He is committed to supporting Reform’s approach to reducing unnecessary spending and ensuring council resources are directed towards essential services.
He advocates for a more disciplined and focused council, with less emphasis on peripheral initiatives and greater attention to the practical needs of residents.
