Mixed views as Surrey tax-row Tory chief stays

An attempt to oust a Conservative council leader over an alleged "sweetheart" funding deal with the government has failed.

A motion of no confidence in Surrey County Council leader David Hodge was tabled by the Lib Dems in a row over council tax and central funding.

One Surrey resident defended Mr Hodge and said any council could have approached the government over funding - but another said he had shown the "wrong" point of view and now needed a good idea to replace it.

The government has denied Labour claims Surrey was offered a secret deal.