It is with great sadness that we learned of the death of Cllr Charu Sood.
As a serving Elmbridge Borough Councillor, Councillor Sood was first elected to the Borough Council for Weybridge St. George’s Hill Ward in May 2018 and served as Deputy Mayor of Elmbridge for the 2022-23 Municipal Year. She was also appointed as Deputy Mayor for the 2023-24 Municipal Year but subsequently stepped down mid-year for health reasons.
Councillor Sood served on a number of the Council’s main Committees, including the Overview and Scrutiny Committee from 2018-2022, the Planning Committee from 2022-2024 and the Licensing Committee from 2021-2023 and for 2024-25. She also served continuously on the South Area Planning Sub-Committee and was elected South Area Planning Sub-Committee Vice-Chair for the 2023-24 Municipal Year.
The Leader of Elmbridge Borough Council, Cllr Mike Rollings:
“Charu was a passionate and dedicated Councillor. She was deeply committed to her residents and to doing her very best for the Weybridge community. She will be sadly missed at Elmbridge. I send my condolences to her husband, children, friends, and family.”
The Deputy Leader of Elmbridge Borough Council, Cllr Simon Waugh:
“My deepest sympathy goes out to Charu’s family and friends at this very sad time. I was honoured to regard Charu as a colleague and friend. She was a passionate advocate for the Weybridge community, always wanted the very best for the residents she supported and was an excellent Deputy Mayor. She will be missed at Elmbridge Borough Council.”
The Mayor of Elmbridge, Cllr Neil Houston:
“Charu was proud to represent the Weybridge community as one of their Councillors. She was passionate about doing her best for residents especially vulnerable residents who needed her support most. I send my deepest sympathies to Charu’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
The Leader of the Conservative Party, Cllr John Cope:
“I know everyone will be devastated that we have lost Charu. While she had been battling with enormous strength with her health for a few years, it doesn't take away from the sense of shock and sadness we all feel. Charu was the best of us - and we couldn't have asked for a better friend or colleague. There wasn't a moment, person, or issue she didn't approach with total kindness and selflessness. She felt like a second mum to me and so many others, we will all miss her wisdom. All our thoughts are with her husband and daughters who have lost a wonderful wife and mum.”
The Leader of Hinchley Wood Residents' Association, Cllr Janet Turner:
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Charu’s family at this very sad time.”
Elmbridge’s Council Management Board represented by Kim Tagliarini:
“We are deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Charu. Her energy and passion for the community she represented was evident at all times. She worked tirelessly to do her very best for residents. We send our heartfelt sympathies to Charu’s husband, children, family and friends.”
As a mark of respect, the flag at the Civic Centre will be flown at half-mast for the remainder of the week and again on the day of Councillor Sood’s funeral.