Release date: Friday 22 May
Pictured left to right: Cllr Martin McCabe, Cllr Ian Davey, Cllr Donna Johnson, Cllr Jay Mercer
A new Liberal Democrat-led cross-party alliance has been formed to run West Sussex County Council and provide stable and committed leadership.
The leaders of the Liberal Democrats, Green Party, and Labour Group, alongside the newly appointed Chair Cllr Donna Johnson of the Local Alliance, Selsey, have agreed to work together.
Councillor Jay Mercer, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, was appointed Leader of the Council, with Councillor Sam Raby serving as Deputy Leader.
The alliance will now work collectively to set council priorities, agree the budget, and oversee the delivery of essential services for residents, businesses and communities across West Sussex.
Cllr Mercer, Leader of West Sussex County Council, said: “I would like to thank colleagues for working swiftly and constructively to establish this partnership. It is vital that we provide strong, stable leadership so the council can continue to deliver for residents, businesses and communities across West Sussex.
“Today we signed a memorandum of understanding that sets out our shared priorities and how we will work together over the next two years. In the spirit of our shared values, we have formed an inclusive leadership team with equal representation of men and women, reflecting the communities we serve and focused on delivering high-quality services for all.”
Councillor Ian Davey, Leader of the Green Group, said: “We are delighted to be working with councillors from across the political spectrum to deliver for communities across West Sussex. By working together, we can make real progress on the issues that matter most to our residents.”
Councillor Martin McCabe, Leader of the Labour Group, said: “Residents across West Sussex have been clear that they want to see change, a different approach to how the council works, and a renewed focus on delivering for local communities.
“These discussions are rooted in a shared commitment to doing things differently, working constructively across political groups, and ensuring the council is focused on stable leadership, strong public services and positive outcomes for residents. I believe there is a real opportunity here to take a more progressive and collaborative approach to the challenges facing our county.”
At the first full meeting of the council since the elections, Cllr Donna Johnson was voted Chair of the Council, with Cllr Nigel Dennis as Vice-Chair.
Cllr Johnson said: “‘We’ve come together to form the Alliance for West Sussex to provide balanced, workable governance for the county, at a critical time given Local Government Reorganisation.
“Although we may come from different political traditions, we share a commitment to putting our residents first, and avoiding the risk of political paralysis, at such a challenging time.
“With a working majority, however narrow, we can provide the stability needed to protect services, represent our communities, and guide West Sussex through the changes ahead, in a constructive and responsible way. The Alliance is built on pragmatism, co-operation, and a determination to deliver for the residents of West Sussex."
Councillors also agreed the membership of the new Cabinet, which will lead on key service areas.
Earlier this month, elections to the 70-seat council resulted in no overall control, with no single party securing a majority.
Together, the four groups in the alliance hold 36 seats, enough to form an administration.
The Liberal Democrats have 23 councillors, the Green Party seven, Labour five, and the Local Alliance one.
The cabinet member appointments are:
- Leader: Cllr Jay Mercer
- Deputy Leader / Children, Young People and Learning: Cllr Sam Raby
- Adults' Services: Cllr Richard Bates
- Community Support, Fire & Rescue: Cllr Tracie Bangert
- Economy and Skills: Cllr Caroline Ward
- Environment and Climate Change: Cllr Natasha Davie
- Finance and Property: Cllr Jane Davey
- Highways and Transport: Cllr Erika Woodhurst Trueman
- Public Health and Wellbeing: Cllr Ian Davey
- Support Services and Local Government Reorganisation: Cllr Nicholas Russell
