Hampden Park residents vote in by-election

A by-election has been triggered after Liberal Democrat Dean Sabri stepped down in January due to new work commitments.

The by-election will be held on Thursday May 6 – the same day as voters in Eastbourne go to the polls to elect a police and crime commissioner for Sussex and members to represent them on East Sussex County Council.

The three main political parties – Conservative, Liberal Democrat and Labour – are expected to field candidates in the Hampden Park by-election, which is traditionally a Liberal Democrat stronghold.

Only the Lib Dems have officially named their candidate – Josh Babarinde, who was born and bred in Hampden Park.

Mr Babarinde attended Cavendish School, built a career as a social entrepreneur working with ex-offenders and was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s 2020 Birthday Honours for services to criminal justice, social enterprise and the economy.

Mr Babarinde said, “It’s an honour to be standing for Eastbourne council in my home patch.

“If elected, I’ll be taking my ‘roll up your sleeves and get stuck in’ attitude to the council to help lead Hampden Park’s fight against COVID-19, and our community’s recovery beyond the pandemic.”