Councillor Sophie Cox, borough councillor for Castle Ward, took over as leader of the council in July 2024.
Following local elections last week, Labour lost overall control of the council, with six Green candidates, five Reform UK, one Labour and one Liberal Democrat being elected.
Today, May 14, Cllr Cox announced she will not be standing as leader of Worthing Labour Group, meaning she will not be put forward as a candidate for the next council leader.
In a statement shared on Facebook, she said it has been “an absolute privilege” to lead the town for two years and she remains “fully committed to supporting the Labour group” as well as serving residents. She will continue in her role as borough councillor.
She said: “I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved. From revitalising key parts of our town centre to investing in our seafront and community spaces, we have taken meaningful steps toward a better future for Worthing.
“However, following last week’s election results, I feel now is the right time to step back and allow a new leader to take on the role for the next chapter and towards our transition to a new unitary authority.
“I remain fully committed to supporting our Labour Group going forward and to continuing to serve the residents of Worthing and Castle Ward as their local councillor.
“Thank you to our councillors, officers and residents who have supported me during my time as leader – it has truly been an honour.”
The Worthing West Constituency Labour Party announced that Councillor Caroline Baxter, borough councillor for Central Ward, was elected as leader of the Worthing Labour Group yesterday, May 13.
They said the group would formally nominate Cllr Baxter for leader of Worthing Borough Council at the full council meeting on May 19, when a new leader and mayor is due to be elected.
Responding to the news, Cllr Cox said: “So pleased to confirm Cllr Caroline Baxter will be taking over as leader of the Worthing Labour Group and that Councillor John Turley will take over as deputy leader.
“They both have my full support to navigate the way forward towards our transition to a new unitary council and will do all I can to support them in this next chapter.”
On May 11, a spokesperson for Worthing Borough Council said the leaders of political groups had started discussions surrounding who would lead the council.
They said: “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.
“The Greens and Worthing Community Independents have joined together to form a new group on the council called the Green and Independent Alliance. Councillor Claire Hunt is the group leader, with Councillor Carl Walker the deputy leader.”
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