SURREY Leader David Hodge survived a vote of no confidence at Tuesday’s full council meeting.

Lib Dem leader Hazel Watson proposed a motion of no confidence in the leader in an escalation of February’s “sweetheart” row in the House of Commons when it was claimed Mr Hodge had struck a secret deal with the government prior to reducing a proposed 15 per cent tax hike for Surrey residents to 4.99 to avoid a referendum.

At full council, in a strong show of support for Mr Hodge, 47 councillors voted against the motion, 12 abstained, and eight members supported the proposal.

Speaking afterwards Mrs Watson said: “Today’s vote has denied the residents of Surrey the fresh start that was so desperately needed. It does not solve the excessive secrecy within the council, which has been the hallmarks of counciollor Hodge’s leadership, nor does it repair the council’s damaged reputation with the people it was elected to serve.

“Instead it means the continuation of a secretive culture at County Hall which serves its own interests, and those of the Conservative party, rather than those of Surrey residents.”