“If you need questions answered, you need to either speak to the senior officers or somebody beforehand.”
He was within his constitutional rights to do so but it is very unusual for a council leader not to step up to the bat when questions are asked.
As with all councils across the country, there are difficult times ahead for Adur.
The 2021/22 budget gap has widened from the £410,000 predicted in July to £485,000 and the shortfall is expected to stand at £1.8m in 2025/26.
Despite this, a report to the council said it was ‘well-positioned’ to set a balanced budget next year – something it is legally required to do.