Surrey leader to stand down

Dr Andrew Povey has announced his intention to stand down as leader of Surrey County Council.

He said: "It is my intention to stand down as Leader of Surrey County Council at the next Full Council meeting (October 2011) 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 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."