The annual leadership vote, usually a rubber stamp and slap-on-the-back for a leader, is thought to be very close after Councillor Roy Taylor emerged as the only candidate to challenge the incumbent.

At County Hall on Friday, 58 Conservative councillors will have to pick sides.

Coun Taylor was urged to stand by councillors dissatisfied with leader Councillor Nick Skellett's handling of a number of key issues, namely the on-going fiasco concerning Carillion and the state of the roads.

Coun Taylor, County Councillor for Walton South and Oatlands, said Coun Skellett had done a good job, but it was time to go.

He said: "You have to respect Nick, he has been in power for 10 years, but if we are going to do this now is the time."

Coun Skellett has been leader for 10 years, drawing parallels with Tony Blair and Margaret Thatcher - who was toppled after a long period of in-fighting.

The councillor for Oxted declined to comment on Friday's vote, but Coun Taylor's bid found some unusual backing in the form of Lib Dem councillor for Claygate, Jack Saltman.

Coun Saltman said: "Surrey is a first world county with third world roads. Even speaking as an opposition councillor for a different party my main aim is serving my ward and community.

"I've known Roy from before my time with the council. Roy has the right qualities."