Political in-fighting has broken out between two leading Liberal Democrats over the appointment of Eastbourne council's chief executive.

Beryl Healy, Liberal Democrat opposition leader on the council, issued a statement distancing herself from comments made by parliamentary contender Chris Berry on the appointment of the authority's chief executive.

Coun Berry launched a scathing attack on the council for hiring an internal candidate, Martin Ray, without advertising the post outside the resort.

He said the Tory-run authority should have handled the appointment differently, particularly as it was the first since controversy surrounding the last chief executive, Sari Conway.

She was sacked from her post in February after a year-long Government inquiry concluded she had destroyed relationships with some colleagues with her abrasive style.

Coun Berry said: "Coming after several debacles, you would think the Conservative administration would be more aware of the impression it is giving.

"Senior council appointments all over the country are made by national advertisement. Why should Eastbourne fall below best practice yet again?"

But Coun Berry's comments were contradicted 48 hours later by colleague Coun Healy, who said: "I would like to make absolutely clear that the appointment of Martin Ray has my full support."

Denying she had been pressed to issue the statement, she said: "I just didn't want any ill feeling against the appointment of Martin Ray."

Coun Berry said: "The issue is not about the person but the way in which the person was appointed. I'm sure Beryl and I will have a chat about this."