Labour group leader Jan Cosgrove has been ousted after 14 years in office as the Conservatives romped home in Arun.
He was beaten in the vote in Pevensey ward by Tory Trevor Bunce.
Mr Cosgrove said: "I'm not bitter about it. I'm a democrat and this country is democratic thank God and the electorate have spoken.
"I've been a councillor for 14 years, so I've had a good run at it. There are serious issues which needed to be sorted out in Bognor and I hope my successor gets to grips with them."
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