A new council leader is rebuilding his top team after two senior cabinet members resigned.

Coun Paul Yallop, 45, has been appointed leader of Tory-controlled Worthing Borough Council.

But deputy leader Coun Ann Barlow and Coun Bryan Turner, cabinet member for a clean and green environment, resigned.

They quit following the departure of previous leader Coun Keith Mercer, who has stepped down prior to moving to Cyprus with his councillor wife Heather.

The Argus understands that Coun Barlow decided to resign after losing the leadership contest.

Coun John Rogers was named as Coun Barlow's successor at a full meeting of the council on Tuesday night.

Coun Yallop said: “In the short term I want to have a look at car parking and the children's playground in the Goring area.

“I also want to build on the foundations laid by Keith Mercer, the town and Splash Point regeneration, and our partnership with Adur District Council, which seems to be the envy of other local authorities.

“In the long term we need to encourage back some of the large-scale private sector office employers which Worthing has lost over the past two decades.”

Coun Barlow said: “I have had a really fantastic time and enjoyed working on the cabinet. I have loved it. I am stepping back at the moment, having a bit of a time out.

“We now have a new leader and it would be good for him to have the opportunity of choosing who he wants to work with him.

“I am here to serve the residents of Worthing. That's my main aim, to do what is best for the town.”

Coun Turner had come into public conflict recently with fellow councillors over the controversial issue of on-street and off-street parking.

He tried to defend the parking regimes despite a storm of criticism from residents and businesses.

Coun James Doyle, leader of the Lib Dem opposition, welcomed Coun Yallop, but added: “We look forward to the chance of unseating him as leader next year.”

Ian Lowrie, chief executive of the council, praised the Mercers for their contribution to the town.

He said: “The way he has carried out the role of leader has been exemplary. He has done this calmly and with great dignity in some quite challenging and difficult years.

“Thank you for your guidance and support and we wish you every success in the future.”