Council’s new leader and chairman take office
KEY positions on East Sussex County Council have been approved at the authority’s first full council meeting since May’s election.
Cllr Martin Kenward, member for Bexhill East, was elected the new chairman of the council, while Victoria Carson, member for Bexhill South, will serve as vice-chairman.
Cllr Andy Woolley (pictured), member for Heathfield and Mayfield, was confirmed as the new leader of the council, succeeding Keith Glazier who stood down at the election, with Cllr Pete Morley, representative for Bexhill West, named his deputy.
Cllr Woolley paid tribute to councillors not returned following May’s elections, particularly those who had served for many years and spoke about the council’s achievements in recent years, saying the new administration would “build on what works”.
Referring to the challenges his administration had inherited, Cllr Woolley added: “The people of this county did not send us here to manage decline, they sent us here to change it.
“This administration will work with parish and town councils as genuine partners. It will make decisions that will make sense on the ground – safe roads, strong schools, proper support for family and services that work when people need them.”
Cllr Woolley, who will head up a minority Reform UK administration, will fulfil the role of lead cabinet member for strategic management, while Cllr Morley is lead member for economy.
Cllr Stephen Chapman (Telscombe) leads the resources and climate change portfolio, Cllr Peter Griffiths (Uckfield South) becomes lead member for transport and environment, Cllr Mark Estcourt (Hastings – Hollington and Wishing Tree) heads up adult social care and health, Cllr Daniel Bradley (Rye and Eastern Rother) is lead member for children and families, and Cllr Paul Soane (Hailsham New Town) leads education and inclusion, special educational needs and disability.
The meeting also saw councillors appointed to committees, with the posts allocated to reflect the new political make-up of the authority, and chair and vice chairs. The opposition parties will chair the Scrutiny Committees.
A recording of the council meeting can be viewed online at Agenda for Full Council on Thursday, 21st May, 2026, 10.00 am | East Sussex County Council
Ends.
Karen Bowles
Thursday, 21 May 2026