Worthing Leader Councillor Keith Mercer Resigns

Worthing leader resigns

Following the appointment of Worthing Councillor Dr. Heather Mercer to a professorial post in the University sector in Cyprus, she and her husband, Leader of Worthing Borough Council, Councillor Keith Mercer, will be moving abroad in the near future.

Their departure will generate two by-elections in the Borough and will trigger a reshuffle of the duties of councillors as a new Leader will need to be elected, together with revised arrangements for the management and chairing of Overview and Scrutiny arrangements.

“It is obviously an honour to be appointed to such an important post overseas.  I am really looking forward to applying the lessons and experience I have gained over many years in the Health and Education Sectors in the U.K. to help develop a Faculty of Health to the same level.  Naturally, I will be sad to be away from Worthing, but my contract is for 2 years, and we are not severing our links with the town” said Councillor Dr. Heather Mercer.

“Naturally this is not the ideal time for a change of Leader as it comes ahead of the normal time for such matters at the Annual Meeting.  However, the Cabinet has developed a very positive approach to the change and development needed to take Worthing forwards into the 21st Century and I am completely confident that the skills exist within the group to keep up the momentum” said Councillor Keith Mercer.

As a result of the high level of partnership working between Worthing Borough Council and Adur District Council, Councillor Neil Parkin, Leader of Adur District Council has paid tribute to the leadership provided by Councillor Keith Mercer in helping to forge the groundbreaking partnership in Adur and Worthing, together with the substantial efficiencies and savings it has delivered.

“Naturally I am disappointed to see Keith leave the Adur/Worthing partnership scene.  He has been firm in his shared leadership of our vision and strategy. And, at a personal level, we have got on very well through some challenging times.  The high level of partnership working already achieved is in no small part a tribute to what Keith and many others have contributed to the well being of our respective communities.  However, as we already work closely with all members of the Worthing administration I look forward to working positively with whoever takes over from Keith Mercer as Leader.”

Councillor Dr. Heather Mercer will be resigning with effect from 31st August and Councillor Keith Mercer will follow her with effect from 30th September 2009.  The arrangements for revising the political management of the Borough will be concluded at the Council meeting on 21st July 2009.