A new council leader has officially taken charge.

Keith Glazier has been sworn in as the leader of East Sussex County Council and will head a minority Conservative administration.

Coun Glazier, who represents Rye and Eastern Rother, succeeds Peter Jones, who stood down as a councillor at the election earlier this month.

David Elkin will serve as his deputy and also as lead member for resources.

The rest of the cabinet will be Chris Dowling (community services), Sylvia Tidy (children and families), Rupert Simmons (economy), Carl Maynard (transport and environment), Bill Bentley (adult social care) and Nick Bennett (learning and school effectiveness).

Following the local elections, the Tories have 20 councillors, the Liberal Democrats ten, Labour and UKIP seven each and there are five independents.

It is the first time no party has been in overall control at the local authority since 2001.

Colin Belsey, the member for Eastbourne Ratton, is the new chairman of the council, while Michael Ensor, the member for Bexhill King Offa, will serve as vice-chairman.

Coun Belsey said: “It’s going to be a great privilege for me and my wife Terri and we shall work hard for the county.

“I hope that fairness both inside and outside the chamber will be the name of the game."