Surrey County Council will be moving out of County Hall in Kingston by 2020 to restore its “emotional connection” with the area, the new Leader has revealed.

Tim Oliver, who was elected as Leader this morning after Councillor David Hodge stepped down last month, announced his plans during his acceptance speech today (December 11).

Mr Oliver, who represents Weybridge, said: “For too long the emotional connection to a community has been taken for granted.

“For 50 years we have not been close enough to the residents we serve, and we all represent.

“I have therefore asked the officers to start the detailed planning for the relocation of the people in this building back in to the county of Surrey.”

Councillor Natalie Bramhall, who represents Redhill West and Meadvale, has been charged with the task of finding a “suitable new home” for the Council.