Andrew Mier, of Hastings and Rye Liberal Democrats and a Rother District Council councillor, has written to Helena Dollimore, MP for Hastings and Rye, outlining his concerns about the voting system that will be used in the Sussex mayoral elections in 2026.
“Dear Helena,
“I am distressed to learn that First Past The Post will, after all, be used for next year’s Sussex Mayoral elections…The reasoning seems to be that the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill will not become law in time for the election in May 2026.
“I know I’m repeating myself, but FPTP is totally unsuited to a situation where there are so many parties with high or moderate levels of support. I think it was the West of England mayor who was recently elected on 25% of the vote. If we combine that with a low turnout (the stand-alone Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner election in 2012 brought out just 12% of voters) then the proportion of the electorate supporting the new mayor may be under 4%. That is no mandate for a role which the government sees as so powerful and important and brings democracy into disrepute.
“If the supplementary vote system cannot be in place by next May then surely the election could be postponed until it is? If absolutely necessary the government might appoint an official to shadow the new role and set up the necessary systems pending proper elections (preferably held on the same day as other elections to ensure a reasonable turnout).
“We are in danger of the potential election of a complete dud supported by only 4% of the electorate. Democracy everywhere is under threat and FPTP for our mayoral election will further erode public confidence.
“I trust you will take this up and attend Parliament when the Bill reaches its second reading in the House of Commons on September2
Andrew Mier
(Hastings & Rye Lib Dems)”
Image Credits: KT Bruce .
Couldn’t agree more with Andrew’s fears regarding public confidence and the undemocratic nature of our broken electoral system… The Govt have turned local democracy upside down, but don’t have a robust plan to improve it. As confidence in politics has taken yet another battering on Sir Keir’s watch this week, the Govt. should be moving heaven and earth to inspire us and restore faith. Instead, they’re doubling down on a system that puts partisan advantage ahead of public interest, and is likely to make local govt more remote and less representative. We need less superficial re-branding and more honesty and delivery. I concede the Govt was in a hole from the day it was elected. But, pls, for the sake of the electorate and of British Democracy, stop digging… Or just hand the keys to No.10 to NF and the roundabout painters right now.