Guildford MP Zöe Franklin appointed Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Local Government

The Liberal Democrats have announced that Zöe Franklin has been appointed as the party’s new Spokesperson for Local Government during Ed Davey’s recent shadow cabinet re-shuffle. 

Zöe, who also serves as part of the Liberal Democrat Whips team in the House of Commons, will lead on the party’s work to champion local councils and the vital services they provide. 

Her focus will include ensuring that local authorities have the resources and powers they need to deliver for residents, businesses and communities across the country. It will also include the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill that is currently going through Parliament. 

Zöe Franklin said: 

“I am honoured to have been appointed as Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Local Government.  

“Local Government is central to all our lives - from social care to potholes, housing to recycling. With the changes happening in the way local government works both locally in Surrey and across the country, I am looking forward to standing up for residents, charities and businesses who need local government to work effectively on their behalf. 

“I'll be staying in the whips team too to support colleagues as we work hard in the House of Commons to hold the Government to account. I'm looking forward to getting going.” 

Zöe brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served as a councillor on Guildford Borough Council for seven years (2008–2015), followed by seven years working for the Association of Liberal Democrat Councillors (ALDC) from 2017 to 2024, giving her a total of 14 years’ experience in and around local government.