Caroline Baxter elected new leader of Worthing Borough Council

Councillor Caroline Baxter has been elected as the new leader of Worthing Borough Council following a full council meeting held on May 19.

Baxter, who represents Central ward, will lead a Labour minority administration with Councillor John Turley serving as deputy leader.

The appointment follows the decision by former council leader Sophie Cox not to seek re-election as leader of the Worthing Labour Group after two years in the role. Labour remains the largest political group on the council with 15 councillors, although it does not hold an outright majority. Baxter said she was grateful for the support of colleagues and committed to working with councillors across the authority during what she described as an important period of change for local government.

The Green and Independent Alliance has become the main opposition group on the council following recent local elections, bringing together eight Green councillors and two Worthing Community Independents. The alliance said it would work constructively with the Labour administration while holding it to account on behalf of residents. The council meeting also confirmed committee chair and deputy chair appointments, with cabinet positions under the new leadership still to be announced.