Dr Andrew Povey, Leader of Surrey County Council, announced this week that he will be stepping down as Leader of the Council next month. In a statement Dr Povey said: "It is my intention to stand down as Leader of Surrey County Council at the next Full Council meeting (Oct 11) so I can develop my business interests. I will remain leader until that meeting.

"I am proud of what the council has achieved during my leadership and firmly believe the authority is well placed to become a truly world class organisation.

"I believe the foundations we have set over the past two years mean the council can now go on to even greater things and whoever takes over as leader can look forward to my support as they continue this work."

The announcement was made on Wednesday 22nd September, the day after Surrey County Council issued a statement saying: "David Hodge is no longer Deputy Leader. A replacement will be announced in due course."