Eastbourne gains first Green County Councillor after Brett Wright defects from Lib Dems

Eastbourne Green Party has announced they have gained their first Green County Councillor, just days after the relaunch of the local Green Party branch.  

Cllr Brett Wright was elected to East Sussex County Council (ESCC) in the Meads electoral division as a Lib Dem in 2023, but has crossed the floor to join the Green Party.

Rachel Millward, Deputy Leader of the Green Party and candidate to be the first Mayor of Sussex & Brighton, said: “The Green Party is the future of progressive politics. Since September, our membership has tripled and dozens of councillors have defected to us – it is clear that we have the momentum to drive positive change.

"Cllr Brett Wright shares our belief that - by coming together - we can build a fairer, greener country. I look forward to working alongside him in the months and years ahead and know that he will continue to be a passionate advocate for the residents of Meads.”

Cllr Wright’s defection to the Greens means that there are now six Green Party councillors at ESCC, making them the third largest political group. County Councillors were due for re-election in May 2025, but ESCC has had its planned elections cancelled two years running, leaving a minority Conservative administration in place without a democratic mandate until at least May 2027. 

“It’s been a sad decision for me personally to leave the Lib Dems. At the end of the day, though, I need to belong in political party which better aligns with my values and enables me to put the residents of Meads first,” said Cllr Wright. “As a Green Councillor, I now have support from a party that shares my faith that, together, we can make transformative differences to local people's lives. 

"I’ll be getting on with the hard work there is to do, taking an open and collaborative approach with my new Green colleagues as well as those from other parties, to protect our communities from the council’s disastrous Conservative administration.”

Cllr Johnny Denis, Leader of the Greens at ESCC, said: “The Green Group has long recognised Brett as a talented and insightful councillor, and we’re thrilled to have him join us. He’s a fierce advocate for his area, and I’m looking forward to working together on behalf of his residents in Meads and all our local communities across East Sussex.”

The newly elected Chair of Eastbourne Green Party Ben Burbridge said: “I’m delighted to welcome Brett to the Green Party. Greens have a reputation for showing up and fighting for their communities year-round, and Brett will now have the support of our soaring membership to represent the residents of Meads even better.”