The leader of Hastings Borough Council is seriously ill in hospital after being taken sick last week.
Councillor Jeremy Birch is in a coma in hospital after being taken ill on Friday.
The council said councillor Peter Chowney, who is deputy leader, has stepped in as acting leader of the authority until further notice.
Councillor Birch has been with the authority for more than 17 years. He is also a county councillor for the Old Hastings and Tressell ward.
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