SURREY County Council leader David Hodge announced this morning he is stepping down from the top job he has held for nearly a decade.

Mr Hodge told full council he will leave on December 11.

Mr Hodge said it has been “an honour and a privilege” to lead the council since 2011, during a time that saw the local authority make £540m in savings.

In the latest round of cuts to save more than £200m, proposals are now out to public consultation to close 31 children’s centres and shutting four to six “less used” community recycling centres.

Highlighting savings made at full council, Mr Hodge said: “This administration has reduced costs by over £540m over the last eight years and we are on target to save a further £106m this year. This is an extraordinary achievement.

“I firmly believe we have achieved great things in the face of adversity and I am delighted that we have secured the best possible senior management team led by a truly outstanding Chief Executive – Joanna Killian. Together we have put the county on course to a brighter vision in 2030 and a transformation plan that will bring lasting benefit for our residents.”