He said the Council had overhauled its digital capabilities to provide better and more efficient services, secured over £10m funding for regeneration schemes, provided nationally recognised support for the local NHS through its ‘social prescribing’ scheme and the construction of new GP surgeries, reduced the number of people sleeping rough and made steps forward in improving the environment and the fight against climate change. 

This, he said, had culminated in Worthing Borough Council alongside Adur District Council with which it shares officer services, being shortlisted for two national ‘Council of the Year’ awards in 2020.

Cllr Humphreys says, ‘I am very proud of the many achievements of our team at Worthing Borough Council. 

‘Securing funding for projects such as the redevelopment of Teville Gate and Union Place, driving forward the plans to build the new town centre health hub and making Worthing the first town in the south east to enjoy the benefits of ultrafast broadband will all pay dividends for decades to come. 

‘But the council’s response to support the community when the pandemic and lockdown hit in March 2020 will always stand out as a time when Worthing Borough Council really came into its own’.

Cllr Humphreys will continue to represent Offington ward on the council. He has secured a new post in public affairs which, he said, meant he could not devote the considerable time needed to be Leader of the Council, which has an annual budget of £14.5m. 

The Conservative group on the Council, which currently holds power, meets to elect a new leader on November 8. Cllr Humphreys is due to officially step down as Leader of Worthing Borough Council at an extraordinary council meeting which is already scheduled for 10th November and at which a new Leader will be elected by all councillors.