It comes after the councils’ current chief executive, Dr Catherine Howe, announced she is leaving in July to take on the equivalent role at Dorset Council.

The process for recruiting a successor to Dr Howe is currently being finalised so the councils are legally required to appoint an interim chief executive and head of paid service to carry out the duties of those roles following her departure until a permanent replacement is in place.

On his new role, Mr Brewer said: “I'm hugely grateful for the opportunity to lead our councils during a really important period. Our staff work tirelessly to deliver services to local residents every day, and I'm really looking forward to working with them to tackle the challenges and opportunities ahead over the next few months.

“Our administrations are both strongly committed to working with our communities and local businesses, and I believe this will be the key to delivering the right outcomes for our places in this period of major transition for local government."

Also confirmed at the annual council meeting of Adur District Council was the appointment of Cllr Becky Allinson as deputy leader. Cllr Allinson will take on the role in addition to her cabinet duties for regeneration and strategic planning.

Cllr Adrienne Lowe was voted in as chair of Adur for a second term at the meeting, with Cllr Carol O’Neal, who represents Eastbrook Ward, selected as vice chair for 2025/26.