New leader of Worthing Borough Council elected
Released: Tuesday, 19 May 2026
Councillor Caroline Baxter has been elected as the new leader of Worthing Borough Council.
Cllr Baxter, who represents Central Ward, was tonight (Tuesday 19th May 2026) elected to head a new Labour minority administration in Worthing at the annual meeting of the full council. Cllr John Turley will serve as deputy leader of the council.
Although Labour does not have the 19 members required to have majority control of the council, its 15 councillors make it the largest group in Worthing. The main opposition group will be the Green and Independent Alliance, which has 10 members.
The council this evening also agreed who would serve as the chairs and deputy chairs of each of its committees.
Cllr Helen Abrahams will chair the Worthing planning committee, with Cllr Samuel Theodoridi as the deputy.
The Worthing licensing and control committee will be chaired by Cllr Hilary Schan, with Cllr Cathy Glynn-Davies as the deputy.
Cllr Carl Walker will be the Worthing chair of the joint overview and scrutiny committee, Cllr Rosey Whorlow will be the Worthing chair of the joint audit and governance committee and Cllr John Turley will be the Worthing chair of the joint staff committee.
The names of those who will serve in Cllr Baxter's cabinet will be confirmed in the coming days.
Photo: Cllr Caroline Baxter
(PR26-044)
Page last updated: 20 May 2026