West Sussex County Council's leader, Louise Goldsmith, has announced that she is to resign. The Conservative leader has spent almost ten years heading up the local authority. Earlier this year, the county council received from official inspectors two highly critical reports into West Sussex's children's services, and its Fire and Rescue Service. A raft of extra budgets and improvement measures were put in place by County Hall, including the appointment of a new Chief Fire Officer for West Sussex. In recent days (September 28), news emerged also that the local authority's Chief Executive Officer, Nathan Elvery, was "absent from duties", with County Hall repeatedly refusing to elaborate on its statement. Louise Goldsmith said today (October 4): "It's important to know when the time is right to take a step back, and I want to hand over to a new leader so they can prepare for the next round of elections in good time." She added: "West Sussex County Council is made up of staff whose dedication and commitment shines through in so many ways. I thank them for all they do. "In standing down as Leader, there is going to be a big hole in my life. "I will certainly have more time for other things — gardening, catching up with friends, and campaigning on environmental issues to tackle climate change." Looking back over the last ten years, a spokesperson for County Hall said: "Louise Goldsmith took the top political job at the council in May 2010 and, during that time, spearheaded a number of new initiatives to boost the local economy, to create a more environmentally friendly county, to build strong communities, and to increase the number of visitors to West Sussex. During her leadership, she secured economic growth deals with district and borough councils across West Sussex, backed a number of solar energy initiatives, and supported projects that saw thousands of homes and businesses benefit from superfast broadband." The local authority stated that the former leader would continue to represent residents in her division of Chichester West.
Man Charged After Throwing Brick Through Brighton Restaurant Window
Peacehaven Man Disqualified Over High-Speed A27 Pursuit Near Brighton
Appeal After PCSO Assaulted In Uckfield
Man Charged With Rape Of Teenage Girl In Newhaven
Overnight Closures For A22 Forest Row Road Improvements
Brighton Defence Manufacturer's Controversial Planning Application Likely To Be Heard
Over £2.4m Approved For Worthing School Support Centre
Section Of M25 To Close Again Tonight - As Drivers Warned Not To Get Complacent
Plans For 800 New Horsham Homes Refused
Over 200 Co-Living Flats Approved For Brighton