Councillor Jeremy Gardner re-elected as leader of Adur District Council
Released: Friday, 22 May 2026
Councillor Jeremy Gardner has been re-elected as the leader of Adur District Council.
Cllr Gardner, who represents St Mary's Ward, was tonight (Thursday 21st May 2026) elected unanimously to head the Labour administration in Adur at the annual meeting of the full council.
After the local elections this month, Labour holds 17 of the 29 seats on the council so has majority control. The main opposition group will be Reform UK, which has six seats.
Cllr Gardner has confirmed that Cllr Becky Allinson will continue as the council's deputy leader as well as being the cabinet member for economy and regeneration.
They will be joined in the Adur cabinet by Cllr Lee Cowen as the cabinet member for housing, Cllr Andrew Harvey, the cabinet member for environmental services and net zero, Cllr Saffa Jan, the cabinet member for resources, and Cllr Adrienne Lowe, the cabinet member for community services and wellbeing.
The council has also agreed who will serve as the chairs and deputy chairs of each of its committees.
Cllr Dan Flower will chair the Adur planning committee, with Cllr Gerry Thompson as the deputy.
The Adur licensing and control committee will be chaired by Cllr Nigel Sweet, with Cllr Robina Baine as the deputy.
Cllr Joss Loader will be the Adur chair of the joint overview and scrutiny committee, Cllr Debs Stainforth will be the Adur chair of the joint audit and governance committee and Cllr Becky Allinson will be the Adur chair of the joint staff committee.
Photo: Councillor Jeremy Gardner
(PR26-046)
Page last updated: 22 May 2026