The head of Surrey County Council will face a leadership challenge this Friday from a fellow Conservative councillor.

The councillor for Cranleigh and Ewhurst, Dr Andrew Povey, will challenge David Hodge, who has been leader for nearly seven years.

Dr Povey told the Surrey Comet: “David has been there for seven years which is a long time.

“It’s a very big role.

“I think it will be good to have a change- it’s healthy to have one.”

He said he will present what changes he would bring in at the annual general meeting of the Conservative group on March 16.

The council is under severe financial pressure- £540 million in cuts have been made since 2010, with another £66 million planned for 2018/19.

Cllr Hodge has been contacted for comment.