'Completely nonsensical' - Chichester MP reacts to news that mayoral elections for Sussex could be postponed until 2028
Jess Brown-Fuller MP said democracy is being denied to residents in Chichester, after the government announced delays to the mayoral election.
Elections for the newly created position were due to be contested in May next year. But the government said it was considering a pause as it felt Sussex & Brighton – along with Greater Essex, Norfolk & Suffolk, and Hampshire & the Solent – need more time to complete their local government reorganisation.
Candidates have branded the move ‘a shambles’ and a ‘cowardly tactic’.
Among those left outraged were Chichester MP Jess Brown-Fuller (Lib Dem) and Arundel and South Downs MP Andrew Griffith (Conservative).
Mrs Brown-Fuller said: “This is a disgrace. Democracy delayed is democracy denied.
“Preparations for the elections next year were already well under way, with candidates being selected and potential policies discussed. To cancel them at this late hour, with local government reforms going ahead anyway, is completely nonsensical.”
“Just because there is a widespread rejection of the two main political parties does not mean they should dictate whether democracy takes place. I will keep pushing the Government to give millions of people their vote back next May.”
Mr Griffith added: “I think it is an atrocious way for the government to be treating the people of Sussex.”
The news was welcomed by Worthing West MP Beccy Cooper (Labour). She described it as a ‘sensible way forward’.
Maggi Ferncombe, south east regional secretary of UNISON, said: “The delay will no doubt be disappointing for many people. But it gives an opportunity to get local government reorganisation and devolution right. That has to be a good thing.”