The borough's electoral system could be transformed after councillors voted for a public consultation on full council elections every four years.

The majority of councillors were openly for the consultation, but some made it obvious that they did not think change was necessary.

Councillors said the current system, where a third of councillors are up for in three years of a four-year cycle, encouraged people to get into the habit of voting every May and put the council up for judgement more regularly.

Walton Central Councillor Chris Sadler, said: "We have a system that is working very well, the electorate understand it, why would we want to change it?"

Making the move from thirds to all out elections could save the borough £225,000 in estimated savings in a three-year period, the council heard last week.

Councillor Barry Cheyne said: "[This is] one of the most important decisions that this council has taken in a number of years. We are all ward councillors, we all have an electorate.

"With a smaller council will we still be able to talk to our residents."

A majority of the debate was taken up with members discussing their responsibility for ensuring people know how to have a say on the potential change.

Councillor Chris Elmer said: "We do have to take in what the residents have to say."

All of the members present voted in favour of undertaking a public consultation on the review of the borough electoral cycle.

A consultation is open until Sunday, November 2, for views to be registered.

You can do this online at elmbridge.gov.uk or by completing and returning a leaflet available at council Centres for the Community, Civic Centre, and libraries within the borough.