POLITICAL COMMENT - Sussex Mayor elections delayed until 2028 : Democracy denied again
Following the government's decision to delay elections for a Sussex Mayor from 2026 to 2028 we have invited all the candidates who have currently put themselves forward to contribute a comment of 350-400 words. This is the article by Katy Bourne.
Democracy is being denied yet again – with the government’s surprise announcement last week that the Mayoral election in Sussex would be postponed until 2028. The unexpected and unwelcome decision to delay all four mayoral elections by two years, reflects badly on a government which itself set the timetable for devolution. It further highlights an administration in chaos, implementing policy ‘on the hoof’ with no thought or care for the consequences, especially as candidates have been selected and campaigning is well underway.
Earlier this year, the Labour government announced that Sussex was one of four areas to be accepted onto the Devolution Priority Programme. This meant that we would elect our first ever Mayor in May 2026 followed by the introduction of new, unitary authorities across Sussex - effectively ending years of district, borough and county level leadership.
The Mayor has key powers over planning, transport, economy and housing. They also assume the responsibilities of the Police and Crime Commissioner, allowing governance of policing (as well as fire and rescue services) to transfer to the office.
Once elected, the Mayor will become an important aspect of this government’s growth agenda - providing a single point of contact for inward investors as the voice of Sussex regionally, nationally and globally. With the ability to set the strategic vision for our county and convene businesses and local partnerships around shared priorities, delaying the introduction makes it harder for Sussex to coordinate growth decisions across regional objectives. It also means a £100 million shortfall in initial annual investment funding.
Investors require certainty and leadership - delaying the introduction of a Mayor risks stalling local growth and undermines confidence. Our county desperately needs someone with experience who can set the long-term economic strategy, unlock planning decisions and drive regeneration by linking skills training to local employer needs and improving transport infrastructure.
Abolishing the mayoral election next year and the fundamental right to trial by jury in the same week, is a worrying authoritarian trend and yet another chapter in this government’s book of shambolic decision-making. There is no credible justification for denying voters their democratic right by delaying yet another election and the Labour Government should reverse it immediately.