THE NEW leader of West Sussex County Council is Paul Marshall, who has been cabinet member for children and young people since August 2018.

Mr Marshall was elected as full council on October 18.

He replaces Louise Goldsmith, who resigned on October 4 – the same day a draft report was leaked suggesting the council should lose control of children’s services.

Both Mr Marshall and interim director of children’s services John Readman were praised in the draft report.

Mr Marshall said: “My priorities are to make much-needed improvements to our children’s services, our fire and rescue service, and meet the growing demands on adult services.”