Changes all round at Arun District Council
Arun District Council has seen a shift in political administration following the Annual Council Meeting on Wednesday.
The first gathering of the Full Council took place on 31 May and saw a new Chair of the Council appointed. Former Cllr Samantha-Jayne Staniforth accepted her Past Chair’s badge and handed the reins to Cllr Alison Cooper with Cllr Dr James Walsh voted in as Vice Chair for the civic year 2023-2024. Cllr Cooper said that it is a privilege to hold this civic position and will announce her chosen charity in the coming weeks.
The council, now made up of 20 Conservatives, 14 Liberal Democrats, eight Labour, six Green and six Independents, means that another term without overall control has begun.
During the meeting a new Leader of the Council was appointed. Cllr Matt Stanley , Liberal Democrat Party will lead the council with Cllr Roger Nash. Labour Party as Deputy Leader. Cllr Stanley said:
“I am delighted and proud to have been appointed as leader of Arun District Council. I am looking forward to the hard work that lies ahead of us. This is a new era for the council and by working together, I believe we will strive to deliver ever-improving services to our residents.”
The following group leaders are now confirmed:
Conservative
Leader – Cllr Shaun Gunner Deputy Leader – Cllr Jacky Pendleton
Liberal Democrat
Leader – Cllr Matt Stanley Deputy Leader – Cllr Martin Lury
Labour
Leader – Cllr Mike Northeast Deputy Leader – Cllr Roger Nash
Green
Leader – Cllr Sue Wallsgrove Deputy leader – Cllr Carol Birch
Independent
Leader – Cllr David Huntley Deputy Leader – Cllr Jim Brooks
At the meeting, councillors discussed the future of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) role, as James Hassett has now moved to a new position elsewhere. It was agreed that Karl Roberts, Director of Growth and Philippa Dart, Director of Environment and Communities, undertake interim CEO duties while the recruitment plan for a permanent CEO is put in place.
Karl and Philippa said:
“We have many years of service between us and are invested in Arun District, the organisation and the staff and will be working hard over the coming months to continue to deliver quality services to our residents.”