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Jess Brown-Fuller Presses Government for Clarity as West Sussex Prepares for May Elections
- Feb 25
- 2 min read
On Monday 23 February, Jess Brown-Fuller MP raised concerns about the previous postponement of local elections in West Sussex. Specifically, that the Conservative-controlled administration was granted a second consecutive delay - effectively extending its term to seven years.
With democracy now restored, West Sussex County Council elections will now take place on Thursday 7 May 2026 and residents will now head to the polls in just 74 days, leaving council staff with a significantly compressed timeframe to organise and deliver the elections.
Jess sought firm confirmation that additional funding and practical support would be provided to ensure the elections can be delivered smoothly and fairly, and that staff are not overstretched in the process. She has also sought clarity on whether West Sussex will still be expected to meet the original timetable laid out for local government reorganisation. This plan includes the creation of new unitary authorities and a combined authority that will operate alongside an elected Mayor of Sussex.
Jess has pressed for assurance that sufficient support would be made available to council staff working to deliver the elections within a significantly compressed timeframe.
In response, the government said that local government reorganisation will continue within the agreed timetable, with no planned changes. They stated that additional funding will be made available to support capacity to deliver the elections and make sure preparations remain on track.
Jess said:
“After last year’s postponement, it is vital that Council staff are properly supported to deliver these elections within such a tight timeframe.
The government has repeatedly changed direction in relation to local elections and provided no reassurance that local government reorganisation will provide a better service for residents, leaving everybody with little faith that they’re getting it right’.
