Surrey residents have elected Doug McCallum to serve as their mayor again. After losing to Brenda Locke by less than 1,000 votes in 2022, McCallum defeated Locke in this year’s election to return to the office he held from 2018 through 2022 and for nine years in the 1990s and early 2000s. As of 9:45 p.m. Saturday, McCallum had received more than 27,000 votes to Locke’s 18,400. Addressing supporters at a raucous celebration, McCallum began by initiating a chant of “Surrey, Surrey, Surrey.” He thanked his family, his supporters, volunteers and Safe Surrey Coalition candidates. “We have given over a thousand speeches to the people of Surrey,” McCallum said. “We have developed the best team, the best platform, and the best track record of any city council in the history of Surrey.” McCallum also pledged to appoint councillor Mandeep Nagra as deputy mayor once he takes office, an announcement that drew boisterous cheers from those in attendance. A subdued Locke addressed supporters and appeared to concede the race, though she did not mention McCallum by name. “To every resident who put their faith in me, I am so deeply grateful,” Locke said. “Thank you all. I will always love this city and remain committed to its success. Surrey is stronger than any single election, so let’s keep working together for a community that we all call home.” As in 2022, policing and public safety were key issues in this year’s campaign. McCallum and his Safe Surrey Coalition promised to have “zero tolerance” for extortion and other crimes and to put “more boots on the ground,” while also promising zero tax increases over their four-year term and the acquisition of a helicopter and a drone fleet for the Surrey Police Service within 90 days. The creation of a municipal police force was McCallum’s signature promise during his 2018 campaign, and arguably what cost him re-election in 2022. That year, Locke pledged to halt the transition and keep the RCMP as Surrey’s police of jurisdiction, something she was ultimately unable to do, despite challenging the move in court. McCallum will be well positioned to implement his agenda in the upcoming term, as his Safe Surrey Coalition candidates were leading for a majority of seats on the city’s council. This is a developing story. Check back for updates
