Environmental Campaigner Set To Become Next Mayor Of Brighton And Hove

A mother of four and long-standing environmental campaigner has been selected as the next Mayor of Brighton and Hove.

Labour councillor Theresa Fowler was confirmed as deputy mayor on Thursday (18 December) and is expected to take on the mayoral role in May.

She replaces Councillor Ty Galvin, who stepped down as deputy mayor last month following his suspension under investigation by the Labour Party.

He now sits as an Independent councillor and has said a complaint made against him is vexatious and that he is seeking legal advice.

Speaking at Hove Town Hall, council leader Bella Sankey praised Councillor Fowler’s long-standing ties to the city, noting that she raised her four children in Brighton and Hove and previously ran a craft shop in Fiveways.

Councillor Sankey highlighted her work protecting the city’s environment and green spaces, including campaigning on recycling, reducing plastic waste and leading community clean-up projects.

She also credited Councillor Fowler with helping to secure a ban on balloon releases and sky lanterns, which are now covered by public space protection orders.

Labour councillor Alison Thomson, who seconded the nomination, also praised Councillor Fowler’s environmental commitment, recalling her enthusiasm after dolphins were spotted off Brighton beach following protections introduced to the sea floor.

Councillor Fowler has represented Hollingdean since 2019, initially in Hollingdean and Stanmer ward and, since 2023, in Hollingdean and Fiveways.

She was elected with support from Labour and Conservative councillors, while Green councillors abstained.

Green councillor and former mayor Pete West said the decision to abstain was not personal and that he was confident Councillor Fowler would make an excellent mayor.

He added that his party believes the ceremonial role should rotate between parties to maintain political neutrality.

Councillor West said he wished Councillor Fowler well and hoped she would enjoy her “very special year” as mayor.