The new Conservative leader of Elmbridge Borough Council has thanked his predecessor after handing the position over.

Councillor Tim Oliver was appointed leader at a meeting on May 16.

He said: “There is no doubt that there are challenges ahead but I can assure all the residents of Elmbridge that I am committed to placing their interests at the centre of all we do.

"We will work with colleagues from all sides of the chamber to ensure Elmbridge continues to thrive. There will be conversations, discussions and no doubt compromise as we work towards our goals.”

The Conservatives gained three seats in the elections on May 3, meaning they had 24 councillors - the same as the Liberal Democrat and residents associations coalition, which had been in place for two years.

Leader of the coalition, Councillor Stuart Selleck, stepped aside at the May 16 meeting.

He said: "I have thought long and hard about the most appropriate way forward, and have recognised that there is a moral case that the party with the most seats should have the first opportunity to form the next administration.

"Therefore, having consulted my colleagues, I believe in the best interests of our residents and this council, very reluctantly, I wish to offer you my resignation as leader of this council.

"This has been one of the most difficult decisions that I have ever had to make, and in doing so I want to reassure the residents of Elmbridge that in opposition we will still have an effective voice and will continue with our full agenda, working with the Conservatives, where possible, for the benefit of the residents of Elmbridge.

"Equally, where we believe the administration are not working in the best interests of the residents of Elmbridge, we will robustly hold them to account."