Medicine, dance and now Adur's new chairman

Adur's new dance-mad chairman has vowed to put his best foot forward in serving the area's residents for the next year in office.

Cllr Andy McGregor, who represents Widewater ward, was officially confirmed in the role at the local authority's annual meeting this week (Thursday, 22nd May 2020).

As first citizen of the District, Cllr McGregor - who swapped a career in medical research and pharmaceuticals to become a dance teacher - will represent the Council at community and civic events for the next year.

As a former champion fencer, martial arts enthusiast and keen racing sailor, Andy has plenty of interests away from the council chamber. He also regularly pops up as an extra, dancing in television shows - with Midsomer Murders and a remake of Dirty Dancing among those on his credits list.

But his focus for the next year will be representing the communities of Adur while raising funds for his chosen charities - Safe in Sussex; West Sussex Mind; and the Supeta youth training vessel which is based in Shoreham.

Cllr McGregor takes over the civic chains from Cllr George Barton, who was praised for the “big smile and big personality” he has brought to the role, despite the disruption from COVID-19.

Cllr Barton said:

“What a year it's been, I don't think anyone will have quite the year I have had, particularly with what has happened in the last few months due to this terrible disease.”

During his term in office, Cllr Barton attended more than 100 community events and raised about £2,500 for his chosen charity Electric Storm Youth in Lancing.

Paying tribute to his work, Cllr Carson Albury said:

“George has been wonderful and shown so much enthusiasm in office. To be involved in so many different ways - schools, hospitals, community groups, picking litter, planting trees - he has displayed so much energy and I know he has enjoyed every single minute of it.

“His eagerness to attend everything he has been invited to with a big smile and big personality has been tremendous, he really has been absolutely marvellous as chairman.”

Cllr Stephen Chipp, who represents Southwick Green, will serve as Vice Chairman for the coming year.