Mystery surrounds the reasons why two senior councillors were today asked to step down from their position as cabinet members by the leader of Surrey County Council.

Councillors Ian Lake, cabinet member for transport, and Denise Saliagopoulos, cabinet member for community services and the 2012 Games, have been stripped of their position by leader of the council David Hodge who has also referred the matter to the council’s standards committee.

However there has been no explanation on the reason for their expulsion. The announcement has come as a surprise to many county councillors.

Colin Taylor, Surrey County Councillor for Epsom and Ewell South West said: "I have no idea why this has happened but it must be something fairly serious for them to be asked to stand down by the cabinet and be reported to the standards committee. It’s a total mystery. We have had people thrown out of the cabinet and reported to the standards committee but never both. It must be something fairly serious."

Eber Kington, Surrey County Councillor for Epsom and Ewell North was equally surprised by the announcement.

He said: "I have had my political battles with both of them but on a personal level I don’t like to see any politician go because of any standards issue. I hope that the matter is resolved quickly and fairly. But if I’m being honest I think it could be a chance for David Hodge to make some political changes. Both are responsible for areas that my residents want to see a change of policy in and maybe now is a good chance for him to bring in some new councillors."

Speaking to BBC Surrey, Coun Saliagopoulos has said she has does not know why she has been referred to the standards committee but that she has "nothing to hide".

In a short statement the leader of SCC Councillor David Hodge said: "I have today required Ian Lake and Denise Saliagopoulos to stand down from the Cabinet. This decision relates to matters that are now being referred to the council’s standards committee. Two new cabinet members will be appointed shortly."

Coun Saliagopoulous represents Staines and joined the council in 2001 while Coun Lake, cabinet member for roads and transport, joined in May 1997 and represents Weybridge.