Worthing Labour leader steps down as county councillor

Beccy Cooper resigned her seat as county councillor for Worthing West in May after Labour took control of the borough council.

Dr Cooper said: “To do both roles well requires a considerable amount of time, and I quickly realised that I did not have enough hours in the day!

“Furthermore, as well as leader of the borough, I am also a mum to two school-age children and a public health consultant, both of which are very important parts of my life.”

A by-election has now been called for Thursday July 7.

Dr Cooper added: “Stepping down from county means that the role can now be taken by a candidate who has the time to focus on the very important areas it covers, such as social care, education and highways.

“During my year as a county councillor, I learned a lot about how county council processes and services work.

“I met many local community members who rely on county for essential services, and as a councillor I was able to advocate for them.

“As a member of the Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee, I was able to use my public health knowledge to examine current health and social care provision, and to recommend improvements in how benefits services are provided to vulnerable groups.

“There remains a lot of work to be done in this area and I look forward to working with my new county councillor on these and many other issues.”