Waverley Borough Council has announced changes to its Executive, with the appointment of Councillor Adam Duce as Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability and the elevation of Councillor Liz Townsend BEM as Deputy Leader.
Councillor Duce, who represents the Godalming Holloway ward, joins the Executive following the departure of Councillor Steve Williams, who stepped down from the role in 2025.
The Executive is the senior decision-making body of the council, responsible for setting Waverley’s strategic direction, proposing policy and overseeing the council’s budget.
Speaking about his appointment, Councillor Duce said:
“I am delighted to be taking on the role of Portfolio Holder for Environment & Sustainability. Given that this particular area was a key catalyst for me running as a councillor in 2019, I am excited to get stuck into supporting strategic efforts to improve the environment of Waverley for our residents. I want to build on the excellent work that my predecessor, Cllr Steve Williams, has made with the relevant officer teams and look forward to bringing the experience of leading on sustainability at Godalming College to bear in this new position.”
In addition, current Deputy Leader Councillor Tony Fairclough is stepping down from the role and will be succeeded by Councillor Liz Townsend BEM, who will serve alongside her existing responsibilities as Portfolio Holder for Planning and Economic Development.
Councillor Townsend said:
“It is a privilege to take on the role of Deputy Leader of Waverley Borough Council. I look forward to working with colleagues and our communities to deliver positive, practical outcomes for residents across Waverley as we transition to a unitary authority.”
Leader of the Council, Councillor Paul Follows, added:
“I am delighted to welcome Councillor Duce to the Executive. This portfolio is central to our vision for Waverley. Since declaring a Climate Emergency in 2019, we have adopted a comprehensive Carbon Neutrality Action Plan, reduced our carbon footprint by 39% from the 2015 baseline, and embedded sustainability into our corporate strategy. Councillor Duce will play a vital role in continuing this work and driving forward our commitment to a greener, more sustainable borough.
“I would like to thank Councillor Williams who, amongst other achievements, brought the climate emergency motion, encouraged officers to look beyond what is acceptable to the highest standards like the Passivhaus houses and Passivhaus Leisure Centre and ensured that climate change was embedded in all we do.
“I am also very pleased to welcome Councillor Liz Townsend as Deputy Leader. Liz brings a wealth of experience and a strong track record in planning and economic development, and I know she will make an invaluable contribution to the leadership of the council as we prepare for the transition to a unitary authority. I would like to thank Councillor Tony Fairclough for his dedication, service to Waverley, and to our Executive during his time as Deputy Leader. Tony will remain on the Executive with an increased remit.”
The Waverley Borough Council Executive now comprises:
- Councillor Paul Follows, Leader of Waverley Borough Council and Portfolio Holder for Policy, Governance and Communications
- Councillor Liz Townsend BEM, Deputy Leader of Waverley Borough Council and Portfolio Holder for Planning and Economic Development
- Councillor Tony Fairclough, Portfolio Holder for Enforcement and Regulatory Services
- Councillor Mark Merryweather, Portfolio Holder for Finance, Assets and Property
- Councillor Kika Mirylees, Portfolio Holder for Community Services, Leisure and EDI
- Councillor Adam Duce, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability
- Councillor Paul Rivers, Co-Portfolio Holder for Housing (Operations and Services)
- Councillor Janet Crowe, Co-Portfolio Holder for Housing (Delivery)
- Councillor Victoria Kiehl, Portfolio Holder for Organisational Development and Governance
- Councillor Gemma Long, Portfolio Holder for Customer Services and IT
ENDS