By Cllr David Small
Democracy has been dealt a double blow in Sussex this month. First, the Labour government announced that the election for our first-ever Mayor of Sussex, originally scheduled for May 2026, has been unilaterally postponed until 2028. Second, it now appears increasingly likely that the East Sussex elections, due this coming May, will also be cancelled.
The reason offered is "local government reorganisation", as Labour pushes forward with plans to abolish Eastbourne and East Sussex Councils to create a new, single tier of councils for Sussex. Whilst I support streamlining local government to help save money and reduce duplication, the way this is being handled reeks of political calculation.
The decision to delay the Mayoral election by two years is an admission of failure. Having set the timetable themselves, Labour ministers have torn it up at the eleventh hour. As Katy Bourne, the Conservative candidate for Sussex Mayor, rightly pointed out: "Democracy is being denied yet again. It further highlights an administration in chaos, implementing policy 'on the hoof' with no thought or care for the consequences."
The delay also has real costs. The new Mayor was set to take control of key powers over transport and housing, along with £76 million of investment funding. By pushing this back to 2028, Labour is effectively hitting pause on essential investment for Sussex.
But there is a more cynical reading. Sir Keir Starmer's government is under immense pressure. A heavy defeat in the local elections in 2026 could be the catalyst for a leadership challenge. By kicking these elections into the long grass, the Prime Minister avoids a mid-term verdict from voters angry about winter fuel cuts, tax rises, and the failure to secure our borders.
Elections are always inconvenient for those in power. They risk removal from office and demand accountability. That is precisely why they matter. This is not a national emergency; the only justification offered is administrative convenience, which is the weakest excuse of all.
Ultimately, this is the government's decision alone. Only Westminster has the power to postpone these elections. We were ready to fight elections in May 2025, and we remain keen to do so. Eastbourne has had a Liberal Democrat majority for 18 years and residents deserve the chance to vote for change.
