Candidates for first-ever Mayor of Sussex and Brighton revealed

The race to elect the first-ever Mayor of Sussex and Brighton is heating up ahead of polling day on Thursday, 7 May 2026. The new role will head the Sussex and Brighton Combined Authority, overseeing transport, housing, economic growth, skills, public health, and policing across East Sussex, West Sussex, and Brighton & Hove.

This election follows a devolution deal transferring significant powers from Westminster to the region, giving the mayor a direct say in shaping local priorities for 1.7 million residents. 

Confirmed Candidates

Five major parties and one independent have officially declared their candidates:

Katy Bourne (Conservative Party)

Caroline Baxter (Labour Party)

Ben Dempsey (Liberal Democrats)

Rachel Millward (Green Party)

Martin Webb (Independent)

Paul Linehan (Reform UK)

The new mayor will chair the Combined Authority and represent Sussex on the national Mayoral Council alongside leaders from London, Greater Manchester, and other devolved regions. The position carries significant influence over infrastructure, education, and policing strategy. 

Voting will be conducted under the first-past-the-post system, despite calls for a more consensus-driven supplementary vote method. Critics argue this could limit representation in such a large and diverse area.