Decision against mayoral system

A decision has been taken against having an elected mayor for Surrey.

County councillors had to decide whether to have an executive leader chosen by councillors or a mayor selected by voters, as in London.

The council executive decided against a mayor because a mayor "may not have a political background or peer support", council leader Nick Skellett said.

The decision still needs the approval of the full council on 9 December. Consultation took place this autumn.

Under the current system, the council leader is elected annually.

A leader would come to the role with the support of peers Councillor Nick Skellett

But under the enhanced system, which would be brought in next year, the leader would have greater powers and would serve a four-year term.

Mr Skellett said: "We are recommending the leader model to full council for a number of reasons.

"A leader would come to the role with the support of peers and would have already been working to build agreement about the direction the council should take, whereas a mayor may not have a political background or peer support."

He said the county council currently had a "strong working relationship" with borough and district authorities which could be jeopardised if a mayoral system was introduced.