Uckfield woman re-elected deputy leader of district council

An Uckfield woman has been re-elected deputy leader of Wealden District Council.

Cllr Claire Dowling, who lives in Hunters Way, is also responsible for corporate services on the council and is chairman of the personnel committee.

Cllr Dowling is one of six members of the council’s cabinet which takes the lead on policy decisions made by the council.

Her corporate services portfolio includes responsibility for human resources, democratic and legal services, customer services, consultations and public relations.

Another councillor from the Uckfield area, Cllr Roy Galley, who represents Danehill/Fletching/Nutley and Little Horsted, is also a member of the cabinet. His portfolio is planning and development.

Cllr Bob Standley from Wadhurst was re-elected leader at the council’s annual meeting held at Uckfield Civic Centre last week.

New council chairman is Cllr Jonica Fox, who represents Cross-in-Hand/Five Ashes. The new vice-chairman is Cllr Brian Redman, who represents Mayfield.

The Conservatives took 47 out of the 55 seats on Wealden Council in the elections. The Independent Democrats won four seats, the Liberal Democrat Group three seats and there is one Independent councillor.

* Cllr Dowling’s husband Chris is chairman of East Sussex County Council.