Bognor Regis Herald — update 1st June 2023
New Arun Council “Alliance” Administration Checks in — Tories pushed into opposition
by Jan Cosgrove, Editor
Is this the scene at Arun for the next four years following the results of the 4th May Local Elections?
The Herald predicted that an Alliance would form between the non-Tory parties who together have a substantial majority over the Conservatives. This became apparent at the Annual Council Meeting on 31st May when the only position taken by a Conservative was the largely-titular position of Chairman — Cllr Mrs Alison Cooper succeeded to this by dint of her having been Vice-Chairman last year. Cllr James Walsh (Lib Dem) is her successor and so will be Chairman next year.
Beyond that, all Chairmanships and Vice-Chairmanships were filled by members of the Alliance — Green, Independent, Labour and Lib Dem. Also Leader and Deputy Leader of the Council were filled respectively by Cllr Matt Stanley (Lib Dem) and Cllr Roger Nash (Labour). In terms of Committee Chairs and Vie-chairs, they became Chair and Vice-chair of the Policy and Finance Committee.
The Economy Committee, which deals with Regeneration, is to be chaired by Roger Nash — this is important for our Town given the lack of progress concerning this issue over many years. I have already sent in a Public Question for the first meeting on 13th June based on the Resolution passed by the Town Annual Electors Meeting in March which urges Arun to get behind Regeneration and to consult electors.
See all Committee places and Officers agreed here:
Can this Alliance work to deliver a strong forward progress for the District over the next 4 years? There are those who doubt it can hold together — but it can be argued the parties involved have no other choice, and that they can expect the Conservatives to be eagle-eyed in their scrutiny. The Council faces serious problems re finances and also its Housing Revenue Account, bequeathed by the previous Tory administration.
View the complete meeting: Annual Council Meeting — 31 May 2023 at 6pm
