Tony Janio, leader of the Conservative Party in Brighton, has resigned after a monumental defeat in the local elections.
The Conservatives lost six seats to both Labour and the Greens, with the party losing all three of their seats in Withdean to the Green Party, and a seat in their heartland of Rottingdean Coastal to an independent.
Despite rumours that he may lose his seat, Janio remained on the council. However, one of his colleagues in Hangleton and Knoll was within two votes of being ousted by Labour.
Speaking to The Argus, Janio said he could no longer remain as leader because he disagrees with Prime Minister Theresa May’s leadership on Brexit.
“On the doors, both Conservative and Labour supporters were angry about the amount of time Brexit is taking,” he said.
“How can I represent the Conservative Party if I do not agree with what the leadership is doing?”
Janio said that he anticipates one of the party’s deputy leaders, Steve Bell (Woodingdean) or Lee Wares (Patcham) to be in contention to succeed him as leader.
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