A new chairman has been appointed to Surrey County Council following the resignation of Peter Martin over “thoughtless and outdated” comments he made in a job interview.

Councillor Tony Samuels said he wished his move from vice-chair to the top spot had been a “happier occasion”.

Former chairman Cllr Peter Martin resigned on Wednesday September 26, saying he used language that “lacked empathy and cultural awareness” towards a candidate he was interviewing.

He said he “showed a lapse of good judgement” for his “thoughtless and outdated remarks” and that he felt he had to resign because he had not been “consistent” with the “values of public service and civic duty” he holds very highly.

Neither Cllr Martin nor the council have said what the comments were.

His stepping down forced the mid-term election and a change to the council’s constitution at its meeting on Tuesday, October 9.

Cllr Samuels was handed the reins as Cllr Helyn Clack was sworn in as vice-chairman.

As part of proceedings, SCC chief executive Joanna Killian opened the meeting with an empty chair behind her.

She called for Cllr David Harmen to be sworn in as temporary chairman to then oversee the election of Cllr Samuels.

Article 4 of the constitution had to be amended to include wording that allowed for an election in the event of a vacancy in the role.

After taking the oath, Cllr Samuels, Conservative member for Walton South and Oatlands in Elmbridge, said: “Dear colleagues, I wish with all my heart that this could be a happier occasion. But I promise to do my best for this office and ensure you that my door will always be open to all of you.

Pointing to the public gallery he added: “Including to my wonderful officers up there too.”

Cllr Martin, Conservative member for Godalming South, Milford and Witley in Waverley, remains a back-bench councillor.

Cllr Clack, Conservative member for Dorking Rural in Mole Valley, took the oath for vice-chairman.

Cllr Charlotte Morley takes over her role on the Cabinet.

A minute’s silence was held in memory of Cllr Richard Wilson, Conservative councillor for the Byfleets in Woking, who died last week, aged 68.

Paying tribute, council leader David Hodge said: “Richard was a great councillor. Highly respected by all of us in the Conservative group and in the opposition group both here and at Woking Borough Council.

“Richard stood up for his residents. And that for me is one of the most important things I could say for a councillor.

“He loved his residents. He fought battles for them. Many of you may not have been aware of it but quietly and diligently he went about his duties.”

Cllr Hodge said officers respected Mr Wilson because he showed them respect and that he himself admired him.

Mr Wilson passed away from complications associated with acute

He added: “Personally I will miss Richard, really deeply. He was a lovely man. A kind man, a terrific father and a brilliant husband.

“Despite his health battles he always came in cheerful, positive and happy.”