The candidate said he will campaign against hate crime, secure funding for LGBTQI+ services, and be a tireless advocate for the trans community against misinformation and abuse.
This article is part of Scene Magazine’s coverage of the Queen’s Park by-election on 18 September 2025. Each candidate has been invited to share their LGBTQ+ policy agenda, priorities for Queen’s Park, and reasons why LGBTQ+ voters might consider supporting them. You can read the other candidates’ contributions here in our dedicated election coverage section.
My name is Simon Charleton, and I am proud to be the Labour candidate for the Queen’s Park by-election. For so much of its history, Brighton, and indeed Queen’s Park, has been a sanctuary for many who weren’t always welcome or accepted at home. The high percentage of LGBTQI+ people that call Brighton home is part of the fabric of this city, but it is also a responsibility that the council and I don’t take lightly.
My LGBTQI+ Policy Agenda and Commitments
I will be a committed campaigner against hate crime, working with our local organisations, businesses and PCSOs to keep our streets safe for everyone.
I will advocate for the funding for LGBTQI+ support services, including mental health provision and youth outreach, to help address the unique challenges faced by young LGBTQI+ people today. As a former teacher, I’m well aware of these challenges, and the recent funding from the Labour administration to have mental health support for children in education is a brilliant, progressive step forward.
Furthermore, I will be a tireless advocate for our trans community. The current onslaught of misinformation and online abuse of trans people cannot be accepted. I welcome the work done by the council to tackle this head-on.
My Priorities for Queen’s Park Ward
The challenges we face in Queen's Park require a champion who will fight for the interests of every resident, regardless of where they live or who they vote for. My priorities are a reflection of what I have heard from people across our ward, and they are commitments I will keep if elected.
Firstly, I will be a powerful voice for our local schools, ensuring that Labour’s long-term commitment to inclusivity and high-quality education is maintained. Our schools are the heart of our community, and their success is vital to our collective future.
Secondly, I will work with residents to develop community plans for our public spaces, such as the Pepperpot. These spaces belong to us, and local people must have a say in how they are used and improved for everyone's benefit.
Finally, a key priority is to tackle road safety. I will work with residents and the council to address the serious issue of speeding on Queen’s Park Road, Freshfield Road, and Queensway to make our community safer for pedestrians, cyclists, and families.
Why LGBTQI+ Voters Might Want to Support Me Over Other Candidates
Throughout my professional life, including during my time as a magistrate, I have been a staunch ally and active champion for the LGBTQI+ community. Back in the 1980s as an East Sussex Councillor, I campaigned vigorously against the Tories’ Section 28. I was designated Pride Champion at my workplace, a trusted point of contact for staff seeking to discuss LGBTQI+ issues, and proud to ensure our workforce was as representative as possible of our diverse community. I commissioned Allsorts to deliver training on LGBTQI+ issues, and ensured the organisation worked tirelessly towards the Stonewall objectives. I was proud that one of my schools achieved the Rainbow Flag Award for inclusivity and awareness.
It is my deeply held belief that every individual should be treated with dignity and respect. I don't just talk about my commitment, I have lived it. I would be honoured to continue serving our LGBTQI+ community as your Queen’s Park ward councillor.
