East Sussex WILL have local elections next year
It was confirmed in parliament yesterday by Housing Secretary Steve Reed
East Sussex will have local elections next year, after they were postponed for 2025.
Housing Secretary Steve Reed confirmed they will be taking place after being questioned in parliament by Lewes MP James MacCleary.
It follows uncertainty that they would happen, as plans to get rid of Sussex's local councils for a mayor-led, combined authority progress - although that wouldn't happen until 2028.
Speaking outside the Chamber, James MacCleary, Lib Dem MP for Lewes, Polegate, Seaford, Newhaven and surrounding local villages, said:
“Local people were denied their democratic rights once already.
"With Tory council leaders reportedly trying to delay the elections again, it was vital to get this commitment on the record.
“I’m pleased the Housing Secretary has now confirmed that the 2026 elections will proceed.
"After years of failures on children’s services, roads and adult social care, residents deserve the chance to choose a better, more competent direction for our county.
"I will keep pushing to ensure East Sussex gets the strong, accountable leadership it needs.
Devolution consultation continues
A government consultation on devolution opened last week, with residents asked to pick which options for local government re-organisation, suggested by our local councils, would best serve Sussex in the future.
It's open until the 11th of January.
East Sussex County Council Leader, Cllr Keith Glazier, said: “I believe that everyone in Sussex could benefit from our areas working together and with an elected mayor on some of the biggest issues ahead, such as jobs, transport, housing and the environment.
“This is a welcome step towards the goal of a Sussex devolution deal and we’ll keep working together to try and reach it.”