Lib Dem Mayor of Sussex candidate criticises vote delay as ‘shambolic indecision’
Responding to news that the government will delay multiple Mayor elections to 2028,
Ben Dempsey, Lib Dem candidate for Mayor of Sussex, said:
“This is a complete mess, created by a government that seems to be defined by shambolic indecision.
“The Liberal Democrats have been promoting a positive vision for Sussex’s future – protecting our environment, improving our transport and growing our economy, harnessing Sussex’s unique identity.
“The people of Sussex are now being denied the chance to vote for that future, eroding our democracy and wasting public money that was being invested in preparing for the role of Mayor.
“This decision shows the government either isn’t serious about delivering growth and sustainability in Sussex, or is too incompetent to deliver it. The only silver lining is that the election in 2028 will take place with a fairer voting system. “The Lib Dems will continue promoting our positive vision for a prosperous, tolerant and green future for Sussex, starting with the county council elections in May.
“Sussex is a wonderful place with so much untapped potential. We deserve better than this chaos and we will continue to campaign for a brighter future for our county.”
Ben Dempsey, The positive choice for Sussex Mayor.
Ben Dempsey
The positive choice for Sussex Mayor
What is the Sussex Mayor?
The Sussex Mayor is a new role being introduced by the Government in May 2026. The Mayor will have powers for transport, the economy, planning, housing, and more, covering the area from Chichester in the west to Rye in the east, and from Crawley in the north to Brighton in the south.
The election for the new Mayor will be held on 7th May 2026, and with LibDems winning across Sussex in 2024 and 2025 we can deliver real change by electing Ben
Ben's ambition for Sussex
Protecting our environment
Better transport
Ben Dempsey - A local champion for Sussex
Ben Dempsey grew up in Haywards Heath and has lived in Sussex for most of his life. He now works on UK nature restoration for a large wildlife organisation and has a PHD in nature conservation from the University of Sussex.
He was previously a senior leader in humanitarian organisations, including Save the Children, managing major budgets, leading teams and working in conflict zones such as Gaza.
Ben has served as a Mid Sussex District Councillor. He now lives in Ditchling with his children and wife, who is an NHS doctor. A Brighton & Hove Albion supporter, he enjoys walking on the Downs with his golden retriever, Alba.
