Green Party's Rachel Millward slams Labour over “anti-democratic” delay to Mayoral Elections

The next round of mayoral elections for Sussex and Brighton has been postponed until 2028, sparking criticism from Rachel Millward, the Green Party's mayoral candidate for the region, Millward, also Deputy Leader of the party, has branded the move “incompetent, anti-democratic, and a clear sign that Labour is running scared of voters.”

Millward accused the government of presiding over a “rushed" devolution agenda, introduced only a year ago, which she says has collapsed into confusion while communities face worsening social and economic challenges.

If they think this will help them, they’re mistaken.

“Inequality is rising, the housing crisis remains unaddressed, and the cost of living is placing unbearable pressure on households,” Millward said. “Instead of tackling these urgent problems, Labour is pouring time and resources into bureaucratic confusion - rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic while people suffer.”

She argued that the delay reflects Labour’s political vulnerability:
“Mayors hold serious powers to deliver meaningful change. Labour knows it is losing support, and they know they wouldn’t be winning these contests. Meanwhile, the Green Party is resurgent: we’ve doubled our membership in just two months and are now beating Labour in the polls.”

Despite the setback, Millward believes the postponement will only strengthen the Greens’ momentum: “If they think this will help them, they’re mistaken. It gives us more time to grow, organise, and win. Thanks for the extra time, Labour. We’re coming.”