Tory Arun District Council leader unseated by independents

The Conservative leader of Arun District Council has been unseated by independents.
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Gill Brown has led the authority since 2006.

Hugh Coster and Tony Dixon have been elected in Aldwick East.

Trevor Bence was the other unsuccessful Conservative candidate.

Arun District Council leader Gillian Brown SUS-150316-153557001Arun District Council leader Gillian Brown SUS-150316-153557001
Arun District Council leader Gillian Brown SUS-150316-153557001
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Speaking soon after the announcement, Hugh Coster said: “The electors of Aldwick East have put their faith in us and we will not let them down. We will be looking at the wider issues around Bognor Regis but we need paying attention to.

“There are a lot of things that haven’t been listened to by Arun District Council. We want to make sure the council listens to and engages with the public. That’s the one of our aims.

“There is a lot of support from people all around the area and that is why we felt this was achievable. We are delighted.”

Tony Dixon said the voters have sent a ‘very clear message’.

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He said: “People have spoken, they are very unhappy with the performance of the district council and they have sent a very clear message. I am very grateful to the people of Aldwick East who put their faith and confidence in us to make sure we deliver what they want.

“We were expecting it [the victory]. We know the public are very unhappy with the way the district council has been run in recent years and we felt there was a lot of goodwill to us when we were out campaigning.”

RESULTS

Tony Dixon independent 1089

Hugh Coster independent 1086

Trevor Bence Conservative 789

Gillian Brown Conservatives 742