WITLEY’s Conservative ward member Peter Martin resigned as Surrey County Council chairman after making “thoughtless and outdated remarks”.

Mr Martin insisted he apologised privately to the person he had offended, believed to be a candidate he was interviewing for a post in his office.

He said he hoped, “sincerely that my my apology will be accepted for what it is – a genuine expression of regret for my thoughtless and outdated remarks.”

A new chairman to serve the Kingston-based council will be voted in later today (Tuesday).

Mr Martin will continue to serve as a borough and town councillor in Godalming. Mr Martin said: “For those of us in public life the way we conduct ourselves should be without question. In a recent interview with a candidate I showed a lapse of good judgement.

“I fully accept the language I used lacked empathy and cultural awareness, and that my judgement has understandably been called into question. It is therefore only appropriate that I resign my position as chairman of Surrey County Council.”

Tory group leader David Hodge said: “I would like to thank Peter for his outstanding work as chairman and for recognising the importance of maintaining the values and high standards that go with public office.”