The new chair of West Sussex County Council has pledged to carry out her duties in a ‘fair, respectful and inclusive way’.
Donna Johnson (Local Alliance, Selsey), who has been a county councillor since 2017, donned the chains of office during a meeting at County Hall on Friday, May 22.
Speaking to councillors from all parties, Ms Johnson thanked them for the ‘trust and confidence’ they had placed in her.
She added: “Whatever our political differences, we all share a commitment to serving the residents of West Sussex. And I intend to carry out this role in a fair, respectful and inclusive way.”
Paying tribute to outgoing chair Pieter Montyn, she thanked him for his ‘dedication, his service and his leadership’.
She added: “He has represented this council with great dignity, and I know that we are all grateful for his contribution.”
Nigel Dennis (Lib Dem, Horsham Hurst) took over as vice-chair, replacing Elizabeth Sparkes (Con, Cissbury).
Ms Johnson said: “We enter the coming year at a challenging and uncertain time for local government, with reorganisation looming and significant decisions ahead.
“These changes are not going to be easy. But they will matter enormously to the communities that we serve.
“My hope is that we approach them with respect, civility and a shared determination to do the very best for all of our residents.”
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