Photo credit:  Labour Party.  Photo shows Sir Keir Starmer outside his childhood home in Oxted.

Former Oxted resident, Sir Keir Starmer, has been elected Prime Minister following Labour’s victory in yesterday’s General Election. 

Sir Keir grew up in Oxted.  After passing the 11 plus exam, he got a place at Reigate Grammar School which became a private school two years later for new pupils.  In 2008 he became Director of Public Prosecutions receiving a knighthood in 2014 for his services to criminal justice. 

Sir Keir Starmer was first elected to Parliament in 2015 at the age of 52 and serves as the member for Holborn and St Pancras.  He has served as the Shadow Immigration Minister and the Shadow Brexit Secretary.  Sir Keir was elected Leader of the Labour Party in 2020.

Photo courtesy Horley Town Council

Horley Town Council has presented a Town Award to voluntary worker Jacqueline Jones for services to the community of Horley. 

Jacqueline has been involved with a range of voluntary work for many years;  she helped distribute food to those in need during the Covid pandemic, and assists with activities at both the Horley Food Bank and Horley Methodist Church.  She also volunteers at both Renewed Hope Redhill preparing meals for fundraisers and at the Horley Night Shelter.

Photo credit: Tracey Franklin

Reigate Priory Junior School has been rated as Outstanding in its recent Ofsted inspection; the highest rating level. 

The School was rated Outstanding in every area and has maintained its grade over the last four inspections. 

Reigate Priory has faced challenges recently after Surrey County Council’s proposals to move the school from its current home in Priory Park, met strong opposition from parents and residents.  Inspectors said “despite the challenges the school faces, leaders and governors maintain a clear focus on delivering high quality education for every pupil.”

Photo above credit:  Royal Marsden Cancer Charity

A couple from Redhill have been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List. 

Vicki and James Woodall were awarded MBEs after helping to raise more than £2,000,000 for the Royal Marsden Hospital with their Giant Pledge to Help Beat Childhood Cancer campaign. 

Their fundraising began when their son George was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer at the age of 4, to raise awareness and support other children and families going through the same thing.  George is now 11 and cancer-free.

Mr and Mrs Woodall’s campaign has supported a range of paediatric posts and research work through the Royal Marsden Cancer charity. 

Speaking on Susy Radio just after her son’s diagnosis in 2017, Vicki Woodall shared her motivation for the campaign.

Photo below:  Vicki Woodall in 2017 at the Susy Radio studios.