David Hodge resigns as Conservative Local Government Leader

Following the Lib Dems submitting a motion of no confidence in David Hodge, Leader of the Council at County Hall, he has resigned - but as Leader of the Conservatives on the Local Government Association.

It has become clear that Tories in other local authorities have lost faith in David Hodge, but Conservatives on Surrey County Council are so out of touch with reality they still back him despite the last two months of allegations of dodgy deals and wrongly sent text messages.

The Tory Leader at Leicestershire County Council said that David Hodge should "do the honourable thing" and not stand for re-election as head of the Conservative local government group. He highlighted the "horrendous" leaked texts and said that David Hodge, not the Council Tax rise referendum, social care or council funding had "become the issue". This Council Leader claimed other Tory Leaders shared his view - hence why he has now resigned.

If senior leaders in local government no longer want David Hodge, why should Surrey residents be stuck with him?

The Leader of the Council at County Hall was wrong about the 15% increase in Council Tax, he was wrong in how he dealt with Surrey's financial problems - and he is wrong to carry on now. Surrey County Council needs a fresh start and that means new leadership.