Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke Confronts Council Rivals Over Alleged Misinformation
Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke launched a pointed rebuke against her political opponents during Monday night’s council meeting, accusing them of prioritizing election strategies over their civic duties. The sharp exchange, which set the tone for the remainder of the session, saw Locke condemning what she labeled as “unfounded allegations” and the deliberate spread of misinformation. The mayor expressed that such behavior, particularly when aimed at city staff, has reached a “new low” as the city approaches its October 17 municipal election.
The mayor singled out two specific council members for their recent conduct: Surrey First mayoral candidate Councillor Linda Annis and Safe Surrey Coalition Councillor Mandeep Nagra. Locke’s primary grievance centered on the impact these politicians’ public statements have had on the professional reputation of city staff. She emphasized that elected officials have a responsibilty to uphold the integrity of the institution, arguing that shifting political responsibility onto administrative professionals who are merely executing the council’s lawful directions is both unacceptable and irresponsible.
Locke directly challenged Councillor Annis regarding recent comments made to the media, in which Annis allegedly characterized the City of Surrey’s finances as being “in a mess.” Seeking to hold Annis accountable, the mayor demanded that the councillor provide specific evidence, such as audit findings or financial indicators, to support such a serious claim. While Locke questioned whether the statement was rooted in fiscal reality or mere political theater, Annis responded by promising to submit a written explanation of her intentions to the city manager in the near future.
To further emphasize the gravity of the situation, Mayor Locke requested that city solicitor Philip Huynh formally recite the Council Code of Conduct and remind the assembly of their signed oaths of office. Huynh provided a stern warning to the council, detailing that their conduct must strictly adhere to the city’s respectful workplace policy. He reminded the representatives that they are strictly forbidden from engaging in behavior that could be construed as bullying, harassment, or intimidation, specifically noting that questioning the professional competence of municipal staff constitutes a breach of these regulations.
The mayor extended her critiques beyond financial rhetoric, specifically addressing Councillor Nagra regarding a controversial land acquisition. Nagra had recently issued a press release calling for a full police investigation into the city’s purchase of 13.1 acres near Surrey Lake, claiming that the circumstances surrounding the transaction were suspicious. Locke labeled this public attack as “completely unfair” and reiterated that such accusations undermine the professionalism of those tasked with managing the city’s assets, noting that such behavior falls squarely under the prohibited conduct previously outlined by the city solicitor.
Concluding her remarks, Mayor Locke issued a final warning to the council members about the consequences of their inflammatory rhetoric. She cautioned that they are reflections of the “company they keep” and the teams they represent, serving notice that these accusations will no longer be excused as standard political maneuvering. By framing these actions as a “serious breach of the code of conduct,” the mayor signaled that she intends to enforce a stricter standard of discourse as the city heads into a contentious electoral season.