Leaders of the different political groups on Worthing Borough Council have begun discussions after last week’s election results meant no party had overall control.

No group or party gained a majority of councillors following the local elections, and the talks are now underway, facilitated by council officers.

A council spokesperson said: “Those discussions will decide which group or groups should lead the administration for 2026/27. It is hoped that agreement can be reached in the coming days.

“In the meantime the council’s chief executive, Paul Brewer, will take any significant decisions that are needed so that work to support Worthing’s communities can continue as usual.”

Following the local elections, no one group holds enough seats to have overall control of Worthing Borough Council

placeholder image — Following the local elections, no one group holds enough seats to have overall control of Worthing Borough Council

Of the 13 seats contested in this year’s borough council elections, six Green candidates were elected along with five Reform UK candidates, one Labour and one Liberal Democrat.

The results mean the council is now made up of 15 Labour members, eight Greens, six Conservatives, five Reform UK members, two Worthing Community Independents and one Liberal Democrat.

The spokesperson said the Greens and Worthing Community Independents had joined to form a new group on the council, the Green and Independent Alliance, with councillor Claire Hunt the group leader and councillor Carl Walker the deputy leader.

“The lack of any single party securing the 19 seats needed to have a majority on the council has led to the parties having to decide how they should work to form an administration,” the spokesperson added. “The council will provide updates on this process over the coming days.”

The full council is due to meet on Tuesday, May 19, to elected a new leader of Worthing Borough Council and a new mayor.

Full results of last week’s Worthing Borough Council elections can be found here.