New Worthing Borough Council leader is elected
Councillor Caroline Baxter has been elected as the new leader of Worthing Borough Council.
Cllr Baxter, who represents Central ward, was chosen to head a new Labour minority administration at a meeting of the full council on Tuesday, May 19. Cllr John Turley will serve as deputy leader.
The Worthing Labour Group had elected the pair prior to the meeting, after Sophie Cox, leader of the council and the Labour group for the last two years, chose not to seek re-election as group leader.
Cllr Baxter said: “I’m grateful to colleagues for placing their trust in me and I look forward to continuing to work alongside our Labour Group and colleagues across the council in the weeks ahead.
“Worthing is a fantastic place to live, and I am committed to working hard with colleagues to support local residents and communities during this important period of change for local government.”
While Labour does not have the 19 members required to have majority control of the council, its 15 councillors make it the largest group. The main opposition group will be the Green and Independent Alliance (GAIA), which has ten members – eight from the Worthing Green group and two Worthing Community Independents.
The new alliance follows the recent local elections, in which the Greens saw six new councillors elected in Worthing.
Councillor Claire Hunt, Green Party councillor and leader of the new group, said: “The recent elections have clearly shown that local people feel let down by the old-style two-party politics that has too often failed to deliver for communities.
“The Green Party has been elected on a message of hope, community cohesion and practical action, values that align with what the Worthing Community Independents have always stood for.
“By coming together, we will create a strong voice for residents and a positive force on the council focused on doing what is right for Worthing. People want councillors who will work constructively with others, listen to residents and follow through on the priorities for our town.”
Worthing Community Independent councillor and GAIA deputy leader Carl Walker added: “This alliance is rooted in a shared commitment to everyone that calls Worthing home, and a focus on making it the most thriving, inclusive place it can be.
“Residents rightly expect their councillors to work together where possible to tackle the issues facing the town – from housing and local services to supporting our town centre and strengthening community wellbeing.”
A GAIA spokesperson said while GAIA would act as the main opposition to the minority Labour council, the group had pledged to work constructively with the administration while providing close scrutiny and holding it to account on behalf of residents.
“The Green and Independent Alliance’s focus will remain on championing policies and investment that improve daily life for residents, strengthen neighbourhoods and ensure local voices are at the heart of decision-making,” the spokesperson added.
The council has also agreed which councillors will serve as chairs and deputy chairs of each of its committees. Helen Abrahams will chair the Worthing planning committee with Samuel Theodoridi as deputy, and the licensing and control committee will be chaired by Hilary Schan, with Cathy Glynn-Davies as deputy.
Carl Walker will be the Worthing chair of the joint overview and scrutiny committee, Rosey Whorlow will be the Worthing chair of the joint audit and governance committee, and John Turley will be the Worthing chair of the joint staff committee.
The names of those who will serve in Cllr Baxter’s cabinet are to be confirmed.