The leader of Worthing's Conservative party has given up his role.

Steven Waight has become West Sussex County Council's executive for strategic planning and environment.

Councillor Keith Mercer was unanimously voted as his replacement with deputy leader Coun Reg Green maintaining his position.

Coun Waight, who remains a borough councillor, was leader for one year and has been a councillor for 12 years.

He said he planned to adopt a more advisory role.

He said: "The workload of being county Cabinet member is tantamount to a full-time job.

"Borough council members have to declare interests and, because my portfolio at the county includes the structure plan and waste management, I would have to declare interests on certain things relating to them.

"The new housing development at Durrington comes under the structure plan and refuse collection, which is an emotive subject in the town, comes under waste management. I would have to declare an interest on both matters.

"It would be very difficult to work as a leader."