Long time serving MP Sukh Dhaliwal from the riding of Surrey Newton has announced his intention to run for mayor in Surrey when municipal elections are held this fall.
Dhaliwal made it official Monday at a press conference in Surrey with the newly formed municipal party United Surrey: Stronger Together and the party's four declared council candidates, including former Member of Parliament Jasbir Sandhu, Julie Tapley, Jeff Bridge and Becky Zhou.
He hopes to unseat incumbent Surrey Mayor Doug McCallum who ran under the Safe Surrey coalition slate and has had a majority on council since 2018.
MP for Surrey-Newton @sukhdhaliwal who is now the latest addition to Surrey’s mayoral race introduces his team which according to Dhaliwal “the party United Surrey formed after extensive community consultations”. #mayor #MP #SukhDhaliwal #BC #politics #SurreyNewton #municipal pic.twitter.com/U41QGWK9aR
— Darpan Magazine (@darpanmagazine) July 18, 2022
A strong desire for a return to elected officials who foster unity as well as a back-to-basics approach to delivering top quality services, made the decision to step forward one that was propelled by residents, according to Sukh Dhaliwal.
"We have listened very carefully to those living in every corner of Surrey, and as a result, our party's intent, approach to representation and policy proposals are designed by the people and for the people," says Dhaliwal.
United Surrey is launching its campaign with a four-point action plan which includes a one year tax freeze and expediting development permit approval times with a focus on new rentals.
MP for Surrey-Newton @sukhdhaliwal has thrown his hat in the ring for Surrey’s mayoral race. He speaks about his new plan for @CityofSurrey if elected mayor which includes a freeze on taxes & investing in recreation services. #Surrey #MP #SukhDhaliwal #Mayor #race #politics #BC pic.twitter.com/4llPEI2Ozf
— Darpan Magazine (@darpanmagazine) July 19, 2022
Dhaliwal went onto say that he is all for the Surrey Police force to police the City of Surrey as opposed to the Surrey RCMP.
His challenger, Surrey City Councillor Brenda Locke has vowed to retain the Surrey RCMP and put a stop to the police transition if elected.
A full slate of candidates under the United Surrey banner is to be unveiled in the coming months.
MLA for Surrey-Panorama, Jinny Sims, is also in the running to unseat the current Surrey Mayor Doug McCallum in municipal elections set for Oct. 15.
