Councillor Paul Marshall has been elected as the new leader of West Sussex County Council at a meeting of Full Council today (Friday, 18 October).
Paul said: “I am very proud and honoured to be the new leader of West Sussex County Council at this important time for our residents and staff.
“My focus will be on delivering really good services to the residents of West Sussex.
“In particular my priorities are to make sure we make much-needed and significant improvements to our Children’s Services and our Fire and Rescue Service, and meet the growing demands on adult services."
He succeeds Louise Goldsmith, who stood down earlier this month and Paul acknowledged her work as leader during nearly ten years in the role.
Paul has represented the Storrington division as a county councillor since 2017 and has held the position of Cabinet Member for Children and Young People since August 2018. He has also been a Horsham District Councillor since 2015.
Paul will, in the interim, retain the statutory responsibility for Children’s Services, including schools. He will support Jacquie Russell (East Grinstead South & Ashurst Wood) in her new role of Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, which covers social care and support services for children.
Nigel Jupp (Southwater and Nuthurst) will take up the role of Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, supporting Paul with the range of functions related to schools and education.
Duncan Crow (Tilgate and Furnace Green) is the new Cabinet Member for Fire and Rescue and Communities.
All other Cabinet positions remain unchanged.
Paul’s background is in retail and he has held a number of positions at director level covering a range of areas including marketing, supply chain and strategic growth. He lives in Washington with his wife and two daughters.
He added: “My vision is to lead an authority that is open with the public about how it works, that welcomes scrutiny from all politicians and partners, and that creates a positive working environment for its staff.
“I look forward to the challenges ahead with determination and optimism, and in a spirit of collaboration.”
The West Sussex County Council Cabinet in full:
Paul Marshall, Leader and lead member for Children
Amanda Jupp, Adults and Health
Jacquie Russell, Children and Young People
Bob Lanzer, Economy and Corporate Resources
Nigel Jupp, Education and Skills
Deborah Urquhart, Environment (Deputy Leader)
Jeremy Hunt, Finance
Duncan Crow, Fire & Rescue and Communities
Roger Elkins, Highways and Infrastructure
