Campaigner Challenges Brighton And Hove Council Cabinet System

A campaigner has questioned the legitimacy of Brighton and Hove City Council’s cabinet system, claiming a promised review of the decision-making changes has yet to take place.

Laura King told councillors she wanted clarity on whether the switch from a committee-led system to a cabinet model had improved democracy, as originally promised by the Labour-led council.

She said she was unaware of any review being announced.

Under the current system, the council’s cabinet makes decisions in public on spending or savings of more than £1 million, as well as issues affecting more than two council wards.

The move was opposed by some councillors at the time, with a public petition also calling for a referendum.

Speaking outside a full council meeting at Hove Town Hall, Ms King said she wanted to understand how the changes had worked in practice and whether decision-making over the past 18 months was legitimate.

Council leader Bella Sankey rejected the claims, describing them as inaccurate and misleading.

She said the council’s constitution had remained under regular review, with updates brought to full council meetings.

Councillor Sankey also said changes had been made to strengthen scrutiny, including more overview and scrutiny meetings, additional task and finish groups, and extended deadlines for public questions.

She added that an independent review carried out in April by a peer challenge team supported by the Local Government Association concluded the transition to a leader and cabinet system had been effective, offering clearer strategic direction and stronger political leadership.