WHY I QUIT CABINET

The council is to challenge John Prescott's decision to allow the stadium at Falmer in the High Court, enraging the many who want to see the stadium built.

Cllr Sharon Davy, who represents Chailey, is not disputing the council's stance but the manner in which it came to its decision.

'I was out of the country when the Falmer decision was made as an exempt item,' she told the Express. 'The decision of producing a report that is an exempt item forbids any elected councillor from speaking publicly on behalf of the community which they represent.

'Everything is confidential and decided behind closed doors.

'For me, at least, this simply isn't democracy.

'Surely, it would have been appropriate to vote on a show of hands at a full council meeting with the public and press present, however popular or unpopular that may be.

'Of course, we cannot ever please everyone, but such action would confirm our integrity as local elected representatives.'

Cllr Davy, who is not resigning as a council member, added: 'I believe passionately that local councillors should be able to represent the electorate in a transparent and open fashion.'

Council leader Cllr Ann De Vecchi said: 'We were advised under the Local Government Act that a discussion involving legal advice being taken should be discussed in private.

'Cllr Davy was away at the time of our discussion on the issue.

'We expect another Conservative councillor to take her place on the cabinet.'