Controversy within Surrey County Council's administration continued with the news that Councillor Ian Lake’s transport member replacement has a recent drink drive conviction.

Councillor John Furey’s new role in the cabinet includes promoting safer and smarter travel, but in July 2010 he was banned from driving for 12 months.

He was caught by police after a car he was driving was involved in a crash in New Haw.

He fled the scene, was caught by police, and gave a positive roadside breath test, followed by a blood test at the station showing 88mg of alcohol in 100mg of blood.

Coun Furey admitted the offence at a subsequent hearing at Woking Magistrates’ Court.

He said: “I made a stupid mistake and had a clean driving licence for 43 years.

“In my mind, I’ve learned a hard lesson and I’ve moved on.”

The leadership was made aware at the time, and decided it was not so serious that they should make changes, or expel him as a councillor, he said.

He said: "That reflects my abilities as a councillor. I’ve moved on and I hope everyone else has.

"The event is over, a decision was made on my behaviour, I accepted that decision and learned from it.

“Raising it again doesn’t brighten the lives of residents.”

Coun Furey said he was excited about his new portfolio, which comes of the most lively issues - waste, potholes, parking and the London 2012 road races.

Meanwhile, Councillor Helyn Clack has replaced Coun Saliagopulous, while Councillor Denise Le Gal joined the cabinet to fill Coun Clack’s previous role as member for change and efficiency.