The Liberal Democrats have announced Benedict Dempsey as their candidate to stand for the inaugural Sussex mayoral elections, set to take place in May next year.
Mr Dempsey, who works in nature conservation, previously contested the East Grinstead and Uckfield seat in the 2024 general election. He will now be the party’s standard-bearer in a contest that will see Sussex residents elect their first directly elected regional mayor.
The new role has been created as part of a devolution deal aimed at giving Sussex greater powers over transport, housing, skills and economic growth. Whoever wins will oversee strategic decisions across the county, working with local councils and other bodies to shape long-term policy.
The announcement makes the Liberal Democrats the second party to confirm their candidate for the race. Sussex’s current Police and Crime Commissioner, Katy Bourne, was selected earlier this year to represent the Conservatives. She has already pledged to put policing, crime reduction and community safety at the heart of her campaign, pointing to her record of more than a decade in the commissioner role.
Labour, the Green Party and Reform UK have yet to name their candidates, though all are expected to do so in the coming weeks as campaigning steps up ahead of next spring’s vote.
The creation of a Sussex mayor has been debated for several years, with supporters arguing it will provide a stronger voice for the region at national level, while critics warn it risks adding an extra layer of bureaucracy.
For the Liberal Democrats, the selection of Mr Dempsey represents an early start in trying to build visibility across the county.
The election will be held in May 2026, with the winner serving an initial four-year term.
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