Ben Dempsey slams government’s election delay as Sussex loses £100m in funding

Ben Dempsey has highlighted the cost of the Government’s "shambolic" decision to delay the election of a Sussex Mayor until 2028, highlighting that the move will cost the county £100 million in lost investment.

Following a damning report from the Institute for Government (IfG), Dempsey accused Ministers of "tearing up the plan" for devolution and leaving Sussex in the slow lane while other regions race ahead.

The election for Sussex Mayor was revealed to be the closest of any Mayor election in the country, in analysis by the Telegraph, with Lib Dems a close second behind Reform UK.

The Government had originally committed to holding the inaugural mayoral election in May 2026. The Government’s U-turn pushes that date back by two years.

The IfG’s analysis shows this delay has a tangible, multi-million pound price tag. Had the election gone ahead as planned, Sussex would have accessed major funding pots for housing, transport, and growth in 2026/27 and 2027/28. That investment has now been kicked down the road.

Commenting on the £100m blow to the region, Ben Dempsey, Lib Dem candidate for Sussex Mayor said: “The cost of the Government’s chaos is now clear; a £100 million penalty for Sussex.

“The creation of Mayor offered the chance for a positive future for Sussex, harnessing our unique identity, strengthening our community and driving investment. Instead, the Government has pulled the rug out from under us. While they dither and delay, our region is being denied up to £100 million of investment that should be fixing our roads, building homes, and boosting our local economy right now.

“It is frankly insulting to claim we aren't 'ready' when the Government set the timetable themselves. We have done our part. It is the Government that has lost its nerve.

“This delay follows County Council election delays in 2025, which may now happen. It looks less like a logistical necessity and more like political gamesmanship. The Government is either incompetent or it is running scared of the electorate, and Sussex is paying the price.

“We are being left without a seat at the table or a champion to fight our corner. Ministers need to explain how they are going to repair voters’ faith in local democracy, and restore the funding that Sussex has lost.”