Hastings councillors have elected a leader and new mayor for the coming year.

Green Party councillor Glenn Haffenden, whose group has an overall majority, was unanimously re-elected as council leader on May 20 at Hastings Borough Council’s annual meeting.

Speaking about his administration’s plans for the coming year, Cllr Haffenden said: “This feels like a hugely important moment for Hastings, because people in our town are frustrated. They are worried about housing, the cost of living, homelessness and whether places like Hastings are genuinely getting the attention and investment they deserve.

“But at the same time I also think people are tired of hearing that decline is inevitable. They want to see progress, they want to see visible change and they want to know that somebody is fighting for Hastings.”

From left: Cllr Darren Mackenzie, Cllr Mark Etherington, Cllr Becca Horn, Cllr Clem McCulloch, Cllr Julia Hilton, Cllr Glenn Haffenden and Cllr Jo Walker. Image: Hastings Borough Council

placeholder image — From left: Cllr Darren Mackenzie, Cllr Mark Etherington, Cllr Becca Horn, Cllr Clem McCulloch, Cllr Julia Hilton, Cllr Glenn Haffenden and Cllr Jo Walker. Image: Hastings Borough Council

He said priorities included: work to reduce poverty; community wealth building; and ensuring the town’s voice is heard during Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).

He said housing — including council house building and lobbying around Local Housing Allowances — would be his administration’s ‘number one priority’.

Councillors heard from Reform UK leader Doreena Ross, whose group is the council’s second largest party. She said: “As the newly-appointed opposition party we will approach the programme with our commitment of constructive scrutiny and clear focus on what serves Hastings best.

“Where the programme supports the town we will work collaboratively, where we believe improvements are needed we will say so responsibly. Our shared duty is to the people of this town and we intend to play our part in that spirit.”

From left: deputy mayor Amanda Jobson and mayor Paula Warne. Image: LDRS

Labour group leader Helen Kay said: “While we now form a significantly smaller group, we remain absolutely committed to our role over the coming years. This will be a period of significant change for Hastings and we will play our part as a constructive, robust and effective counter to this new Green-led administration.”

Conservative group leader Paul Foster said: “I thank the leader of the council for setting out his agenda for the year ahead. There is much in what we have heard that reflects the scale of the challenges facing Hastings and I welcome the tone of seriousness with which those challenges have been presented.

“However, as the Conservative group it is our role not only to acknowledge these pressures but to provide constructive challenge, realism and an alternative perspective grounded in delivery.”

The council’s full political balance is: 19 Green Party councillors; six Reform UK councillors; three Labour councillors; two Conservatives; and two independents.

Members elected Paula Warne and Amanda Jobson (both Green party ward councillors for Gensing) as the council’s mayor and deputy mayor.

Cllr Haffenden named his cabinet. It includes returning members: Julia Hilton, who is deputy leader and lead councillor for shaping places, regeneration and community wealth building; Darren McKenzie, lead councillor for finance, ICT, risk and assets; Mark Etherington, planning, infrastructure and regulatory services; and Jo Walker, lead councillor for climate, nature and green spaces.

They will be joined by new cabinet members: Becca Horn, who will be lead councillor for community safety and environmental services; Solly Solamito, lead councillor for corporate services, communities and equalities; and Clem McCulloch, who will be the new chairman of the foreshore trust.

Cllr Haffenden’s personal portfolio will cover housing, health, active communities and LGR.