At the Arun District Council elections held on 4 May 2023, local Conservatives overtook the Liberal Democrats to become the largest party. The Conservatives won 20 seats to the Liberal Democrat's 14 and Labour's 6.
Within Bognor Regis and Littlehampton we gained 4 seats: 1 in Bersted with Keir Greenway becoming successful; 2 in Aldwick East with Trevor Bence and Ash Patel rejoining the Council; and new candidate Guy Purser being successfully elected in Aldwick West. In Rustington - which will be joining Bognor Regis and Littlehampton later in the year - the Conservatives made 3 gains with Lynne Edwards, Lesley-Anne Lloyd and Peggy Patridge all being elected in Rustington West.
Speaking afterwards, Leader of the Council, Cllr Shaun Gunner said:
In last week's local elections the public have spoken and I'm pleased to say that Arun Conservatives are now the largest party on Arun District Council, winning more seats than anyone else, and twice as many votes as the second-placed party.
This result was significantly better than the national results, with the Conservatives in Arun gaining 8 seats (across Aldwick, Bersted and Rustington). I would like to thank everyone for taking part in the elections and for electing the Conservatives as the largest party on Arun, overtaking the Liberal Democrats.
My sincere commiserations to all candidates who were unsuccessful, be they Conservative, Liberal Democrat, Labour, Green, Independent or other. It takes courage and conviction to put yourself forward for election, and it can be a bruising exercise - but we should respect anyone who puts themselves forward for election to be tested by the public.
Summary results
- Conservatives - 20 seats - 34,319 votes (40.7%)
- Liberal Democrats - 14 seats - 17,846 votes (21.1%)
- Labour - 8 seats - 12,604 votes (14.9%)
- Greens - 6 seats - 12,270 votes (14.5%)
- Independent - 6 seats - 7,035 votes (8.3%)
