Romance blossoms in county council’s chamber

But two West Sussex county councillors have proven love can blossom in the council chambers.

After years of courtship, councillors Peter Evans – who represents East Preston, Ferring and Kingston – and Margaret Whitehead have finally tied the knot.

Cllr Evans, who is the county council’s cabinet member for children’s services, education and schools, and lives in Ferring, said he was delighted by the marriage, which took place at Edes House, in Chichester.

He said that the pair had met at the council’s headquarters, in County Hall, Chichester, and that love had soon blossomed.

However, he stressed that their marriage would not have any impact on their roles as councillors.

“The only debate we might have will be at the kitchen table,” he explained. “Although we both work at the council, we represent totally different portfolios and areas.

“So although we are councillors in the same council we don’t deal with the same things.”

The pair have recently returned from a two-week honeymoon in Florida.

“That was brilliant,” added Cllr Evans. “We managed to squeeze it in between meetings, which was pretty tough.”

Margaret represents Chichester South and is the chairman of the health and adult scrutiny committee.

The loving duo are both Conservative councillors.

Between them, they have four grown-up children from previous relationships.