Reform UK secure East Sussex County Council leadership

The elections saw East Sussex County Council fall into a no party majority, with Reform UK holding 22 seats, the Liberal Democrats 13, Green Party 11, Conservative three and Independent one.

At the council’s annual general meeting today, May 21, Reform UK secured the leadership position with support of the Conservatives and independent councillor Stephen Shing.

Councillor Andy Woolley was elected leader of the council, with Pete Morley as deputy leader.

Cllr Andy Woolley. Image credit: Reform UK

Cllr Woolley said: “Every resident of East Sussex – whatever they voted, wherever they live – has the same claim on this council’s attention, its effort, and its resources. That is the standard I am setting for this administration, and it is the standard by which I ask to be judged.”

Councillor Martin Kenward, who represents Bexhill East, has been elected as chairman and Councillor Victoria Carson, who represents Bexhill South, has been elected vice-chairwoman.

Cllr Kenward said: “It is an honour to be elected chairman of East Sussex County Council. I will do my utmost to ensure that every voice in this chamber – from every group – is heard and treated with dignity.”

The Conservatives, who had previously been the largest party in East Sussex, witnessed a spectacular collapse in the election, falling from 22 councillors to just three.

The three councillors were among those to support the election of a Reform leader and chairman.

However, Councillor Paul Redstone made it clear there had “been no deals, either formal or informal, with Reform, the Liberal Democrats or Greens”.

He said the “strong sense of duty to residents” was the deciding factor and assured the trio would be a “constructive opposition”.

Cllr Redstone said: “Reform are clearly the largest party. Were they not to form the administration we as councillors could rightly be seen as trying to subvert the expressed views of the voters.

“I know that some members have used numbers about the share of totals votes compared to other parties, but our system means that it is seats which count. We therefore felt it right to support Reform in their nominations.

“We also supported a Reform chairman. The alternative would have been a paralysed council.”

East Sussex County Council Green Party (Image: Green Party)

The Green Party criticised the Conservative decision and said it will be working with the Liberal Democrats.

Councillor Julia Hilton, Green Party leader, said: “Conservative Councillors have handed the county council to Reform on a plate. Vote Conservative. Get Reform. Their supporters will be furious.

“We are ready to form an administration together with our Lib Dem colleagues. We put this new administration on notice. When they fail, which they will, we will be ready.

“It is also shocking to see an all male cabinet, how can eight men represent the needs of and priorities of East Sussex.”

Councillor Johnny Denis, Green Party deputy leader added: “We will, together with Liberal Democrats, form a robust opposition, scrutinising every decision and fighting to protect public
services, equality, and the environment.

“Residents can be assured that this council will be held to account.”