Why May's elections will be different in Surrey

On Thursday 7 May, voters will go to the polls for the elections at two new councils in Surrey.

Last year ministers announced the creation of unitary authorities for West Surrey and East Surrey, in the first major decision on local government reorganisation in England.

Surrey County Council (SCC) and 11 borough and district councils will be abolished in 2027, with areas being merged together.

A total of 162 seats will be up for grabs as part of a big change in the way the elections are happening in Surrey, compared to previous years.