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# Candidates for first-ever Mayor of Sussex and Brighton revealed
- URL: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/candidates-for-first-ever-mayor-of-sussex-and-brighton-revealed/
- Published: 2025-11-27T15:46:34.000Z
- Updated: 2025-11-28T22:59:08.000Z
- Author: Graham Robson
- Tags: Politics

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.