A leading councillor faces the sack from a top job - by his own party.

The ruling Tory group on Worthing Borough Council has called an extraordinary council meeting to oust George Stephens from its cabinet.

Liberal Democrats said the council was in crisis and called for a full public statement on the issue.

It is understood the Tories will take the unprecedented step amid concerns about Coun Stephens' handling of negotiations over the future of Worthing Crematorium.

He is also in charge of household waste and recycling and spearheaded a failed bid to merge Worthing and Adur District Council.

Coun Mercer said: "The cabinet no longer has confidence in George's ability to deliver his portfolio in line with our vision.

"He was asked to resign and refused. The only way I can deal with the situation is go back to the council which appointed him.

"He is not actually delivering the key aspects of his portfolio at the speed we want them delivered.

"I am not taking this decision lightly but in the best interests of Worthing."

The Argus understands Coun Stephens, who represents Heene ward, was asked to resign by the cabinet but "point-blank refused".

Now councillors will meet on Tuesday to remove Coun Stephens, the council's executive member for the environment.

They will be asked to back, without comment, a motion stating: "That the council removes councillor George Stephens as cabinet member for the environment."

A Conservative party insider said: "It is not a big division. I understand the rest of the cabinet was united on the decision to remove him, which is the right thing to do."

The sacking is the latest in a series of embarrassments for the town's Tories.

Last week, Tory councillor Mark McCarthy, who represents Offington, was arrested and fined £80 for drunk and disorderly conduct in a town centre bar.

Deputy Mayor Jack Saheid, another Conservative, was criticised for closing his Post Office in Lyndhurst Road, East Worthing, without prior notice.

Last year, The Argus revealed that Richard Falk, Tory councillor for Durrington, had moved to the Isle of Man and was still claiming allowances, while fellow Conservative Alan Whiteley, representing Northbrook, was working in Qatar.

Meanwhile, the Sheryl Grady saga, relating to the council's long-term absent chief executive, drags on.

Miss Grady has been suspended on full pay for more than two years, prompting the council to appoint an interim chief executive Ian Lowrie, who has switched for six months from leading Adur council.

Coun Bob Smytherman, leader of the Lib Dems, said: "We now need the leader of the council to make a full public statement as to what on earth is going on within the town hall.

"The cabinet for too long now has been dithering. The Tories are as divided as ever."

Coun Stephens said in a statement: "I was somewhat surprised to receive by post on Monday notice of an extraordinary council meeting, even more so as Keith Mercer has not met with me privately to discuss any matters."