The Liberal Democrats gained control of the council from the Conservatives with an 8 seat majority. It was the first time since the 1995 election that the Liberal Democrats had taken control of the council. It was also the worst performance in terms of seats for the Conservative Party in any previous election to the council. The Conservative leader of the council prior to the election, Claire Vickers, lost her seat.[3] Liberal Democrat group leader Martin Boffey was formally appointed the new leader of the council at the subsequent annual council meeting on 24 May 2023.[4]
Council Composition
Prior to the election, the composition of the council was:
↓
29
13
3
3
Con
LDem
Grn
Ind
After the election, the composition of the council was:
John Milne represented Roffey North ward from 2019 to 2023. He is also an elected councillor at West Sussex County Council representing Horsham Riverside.[8]
Alan Britten represented Roffey South as a Liberal Democrat from 2019-2023. He previously sat as a Conservative from 2015-2019 before defecting to the Liberal Democrats ahead of the 2019 election.[12] He rejoined the Conservatives in 2023.[13]
Katie Nagel is also an elected councillor at West Sussex County Council representing St Leonard's Forest.[14]
Gary Markwell is also an elected councillor at West Sussex County Council representing Arundel & Courtwick.[15] He also, simultaneously stood for election in Arun District Council where he was also defeated by The Green Party.[16]