Statement 6 February 2025
You may have heard the Government's recent announcement about devolution which includes the postponement of this year's local elections with the potential for Mayoral elections in 2026.
Under current proposals, if Sussex get a Mayor, the role and responsibilities of the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner will be assumed by the new Mayor. As a result, I will be seeking to ensure that, under a mayoral model of police governance, the unique local identity and character of our police force is preserved and the public's voice in policing will continue to be strongly articulated across all of Sussex, including our rural towns and villages. To this end, I will be seeking nomination for Mayoral candidacy in due course.
My office is already in dialogue with the Home Office and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and we fully expect to be working in collaboration with our local authorities as the devolution process moves forward.
In the meantime, you can read more about the plans and have have your say in the Government's consultation survey here: Sussex and Brighton devolution consultation - GOV.UK