THE SHOCK departure of Horsham District Council leader Robert Nye comes at a critical time for the Broadbridge Heath Leisure Centre.
The council is due to decide whether to close the centre in a year’s time at its meeting on Wednesday (December 21).
My Nye, who resigned for personal reasons due to financial difficulties with his business, was a key mover behind the closure plan.
Now that he has left, there will be conflicting pressures on councillors.
The cabinet - which has already endorsed the plan - and acting leader Ray Dawe are likely to be keen to support the cabinet member responsible Jonathan Chowen.
Back bench councillors can expect to be persuaded to show a united front.
But given the huge public backlash, some may feel that there should be a pause until a new leader is elected and will not want to rush a decision at this critical time.
As ever, the County Times and its website will bring you all the news as it happens - including detailed analysis.