'Sensible way forward' - Worthing West MP reacts to news that mayoral elections for Sussex could be postponed until 2028
Worthing West MP, Beccy Cooper, has shared her view on the government’s announcement that next May’s Sussex Mayoral Authority elections could be postponed until 2028.
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 was Arundel and South Downs’ Conservative MP Andrew Griffith, who described the news as ‘atrocious’.
Labour MP Beccy Cooper, on the other hand, shared her view that the decision ‘does make good sense’.
The Worthing West MP said: “With this new timetable, by 2028 our Unitary Authorities will already be in place, meaning our mayor will be supported from day one by councils that are joined up across services and will represent the right geographical footprints across Sussex.
“I’m also extremely pleased that Sussex and Brighton will be receiving an extra £38 million a year for our devolution, to deliver much needed infrastructure, house building and regeneration projects.
“I’d also like to point out that this does not affect whether or not local elections will be going ahead next May. I expect that decision to be announced before Christmas.
“Overall, I think this is a sensible way forward which will benefit our communities both across Sussex and here in Worthing West.”
The news was also welcomed by trade union UNISON.
Maggi Ferncombe, south east regional secretary, 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.”