The Conservatives' long-standing political dominance in Sussex faces its most significant challenge in decades as the 7 May local elections approach. Most residents have not voted for county councillors since Boris Johnson was prime minister in 2021, and the political landscape has shifted dramatically since then. With Nigel Farage's Reform UK surging in national polls, the Greens revitalised under Zack Polanski, and Labour struggling to maintain support, the outcome could serve as a bellwether for the entire country.
Political Context and Stakes
Sussex, home to over 1.7 million people stretching from Hampshire to Kent along 137 miles of south coast, has been a Conservative stronghold for decades. East Sussex has been under Tory control at county level for 25 years, West Sussex for 29 years. However, major local government changes are due in 2028, uniting East Sussex, West Sussex, and Brighton under a new Mayoral Combined County Authority. Before that, this election could upend expectations. Voters will elect councillors to East and West Sussex county councils for the first time since 2021, alongside partial elections in Worthing, Hastings, Adur, and Crawley.
In 2021, the UK was emerging from Covid lockdowns, Boris Johnson was prime minister, Nigel Farage was in political retirement, Reform UK did not exist, and Sir Keir Starmer had been Labour leader for just a year. The Green Party had two leaders but only one MP – Caroline Lucas in Brighton. Now, national polls show support for both Conservatives and Labour plummeting, with Reform and the Greens gaining ground. The question is whether this national trend will hold locally.
Worthing: Mixed Sentiments
In Worthing, which has two Labour MPs and a Labour-controlled council, the party appears safe from a Conservative challenge but faces threats from Reform and the Greens. Residents expressed a wide range of views. James, 44, fishing from the pier, said the state of politics is "disgusting" and that "everybody I talk to wants to see a Reform government" to address immigration. Lou, also fishing, said: "As long as the Greens or Labour don't get in, I think most people will be happy." Jilly Piper, who runs an art gallery, voted Labour last time but criticised the council for "wasting money" and hopes neither Reform nor the Greens gain control. Retiree Rory Curry supports Labour, saying: "I don't like Reform. I don't like their policies." Arif, a retiree, said he voted Labour before but won't again, concerned about Reform's immigration stance. Tony Lockwood, a retired toolmaker, plans to vote Green, praising leader Polanski's "heart and passion," but worries a Reform win would lead to ruin. Mirko Laganaro, a coffee shop manager, noted a shift towards right-wing ideology despite Worthing's left-wing history.
Shoreham and Adur: Disillusionment and Uncertainty
In Shoreham, part of Adur council, retired nurse Terri Jezeph called the elections "a farce" due to upcoming reorganisation. She said: "I'm a socialist, but I have very little regard for the British Labour Party. I can see that Reform might get a hearing. I'd be horrified." Richard O'Neil said he won't vote Labour or Tory, predicting "an upset to the norm" with Reform and Greens gaining ground. Kathy Davis, a resident, said she would leave if Reform did well, hoping the Greens win. Adur council leader Jeremy Gardner admitted concerns given national polls but said locally, Labour's record should hold. He noted Tories are "haemorrhaging councillors," with one attempting to defect to Reform.
Hastings: Greens vs Reform
In Hastings, where the Green Party runs the council after Labour's collapse in 2024, many residents were unaware of the election date. Chris King, a music promoter, said the previous Labour council was "terrible" and the Greens "a bit better," but fears Reform could win. Jane Carey, retired, praised the Greens and criticised media for pushing Reform. Council leader Glenn Haffenden said the race is between Reform and Green, with Labour struggling nationally. He believes local recognition of Green governance will help, adding: "My biggest fear of having Reform in, is that they are against diversity. They don't celebrate what makes Hastings different."
Conclusion
With less than two weeks to go, Sussex's political future looks more uncertain than in three decades. The county's motto, "we wunt be druv" (we won't be driven), reflects its independent streak. The election will reveal whether voters maintain that independence and in which direction they choose to go.
