Sussex Council Elections Back On After Government U-Turn

Local council elections across Sussex will go ahead in May after the Government reversed its decision to delay them.

The move follows legal advice and a challenge to the postponement, which had affected 30 authorities across England, including several in Sussex.

A Government spokesperson said providing certainty over the polls on 30 May was now the priority.

Elections To Take Place Across Sussex

Votes will now take place at district level in Adur, Worthing, Crawley and Hastings, as well as county council elections at East Sussex County Council and West Sussex County Council.

East Sussex County Council warned organising the elections would increase pressure on staff, as councils are already dealing with major changes linked to plans for local government reorganisation.

The Government has proposed replacing the current two-tier system of county and district councils with new unitary authorities responsible for all services in their areas.

Mixed Political Reaction

Liberal Democrat MP for Lewes, James MacCleary, described the decision as a “welcome U-turn”, saying it would allow councils to focus on delivering services for residents.

Meanwhile, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage called the reversal a victory for democracy after his party launched a legal challenge against the delays.

Politicians from Labour, the Conservatives and the Green Party also criticised the uncertainty caused by the changing plans.

The Government says the elections will now proceed as scheduled at the end of May.