Lib Dems secure majorities on two councils
Liberal Democrats secured majorities on two West Sussex councils as the May 5 local election results made it a day to remember.
Most of the county has historically been seen as safe Tory heartlands, but the election results have truly put paid to that idea.
Back in 2015, the Lib Dems had just four seats on Horsham District Council. Fast forward eight years and they now have a majority and 28 councillors compared to the Conservatives’ 11.
They also secured a majority at Chichester District Council, where the Conservatives lost all but five seats.
It was similarly good news for the Lib Dems at Mid Sussex District Council where they are now the largest party, but are short of a majority.
In Worthing, Labour was defending its majority for the first time and last week took another councillor from the Conservatives.
Meanwhile in Crawley, Labour also increased its majority by taking another seat from the Conservatives.
The only bright spot for the Conservatives was in Arun, where they remain the largest party. There the Lib Dems lost several seats as did Independents, with the Greens doubling their seats from three to six and Labour winning eight, up from one last time.
The Green Party also secured its first councillor in Worthing, held on to its four seats in Mid Sussex and now has eight councillors in Horsham, defeating several Conservatives across the South Downs villages.
Adrian Moss, leader of the Lib Dem group at Chichester, described it as ‘an absolutely remarkable result’ and said:
“We had some extraordinary candidates of all ages who have got elected on the back of residents wanting real change. That’s what they were looking for and that’s what we will endeavour to deliver.”
He added: “We are absolutely delighted with the result because we expecting to gain control of the council but we didn’t expect to gain as many seats as we did. It’s been a real resounding success for a fantastic team, everyone is absolutely jubilant.”
Martin Boffey, leader of the Lib Dem group at Horsham, added: “Horsham has been a one party state for 24 years. Today that changes. People
have voted for better, given us their trust and we will strive to repay it.
“We will now work on our cabinet appointments to deliver on our manifesto by continuing to address the cost of living crisis, ending Tory planning chaos, and taking real action to protect our environment.
“We knocked on 2,000 doors alone last weekend. People told us they supported our positive campaign for change and that they just couldn’t bring themThe selves to support the Conservatives anymore, reflecting the national mood.
“After a generation in opposition we don’t take this chance to serve the people of Horsham for granted. We will work hard every day to deliver for all the residents of Horsham.”
Alison Bennett, Lib Dem Parliamentary candidate in Mid Sussex, added: “The Liberal Democrats have put an end to a generation of Conservative dominance in Mid Sussex. Eight years ago, the Conservatives won every single seat in the 2015 district council elections. This year, voters elected 20 Liberal Democrat councillors to Mid Sussex District Council, making us the largest political party on the Council. We also won control of Haywards Heath Town Council, held control of Burgess Hill Town Council, and won two seats on East Grinstead Town Council.
“During the campaign we talked to thousands of voters who told us how angry they were with the Conservatives – over local issues like the closure of Clair Hall and the state of Burgess Hill town centre, and with the Tories nationally.
“They are furious with a government that has behaved badly during the pandemic, is constantly on the backfoot over accusations of sleaze, and isn’t delivering the public services that we all rely on.
“We are hugely grateful to the thousands of voters across the District who listened to what we had to say and voted for us on 4th May.
“We will strive to make the environment our priority and ensure that our villages and towns can thrive.
“These results show that as we approach the general election, voters should feel confident that their vote will make a difference, and that the result isn’t a forgone conclusion.
“The Conservatives have been put on notice that the Liberal Democrats are winning in Mid Sussex.”
A Green Party spokesperson in Horsham added: "The 2023 local Council Elections were a massive success for the local Green Party as well as the national party and to be able to grow from three seats to eight in Horsham District proves that we are a real force especially in the southern wards.
"We have shown both in last year's Storrington by-election and this year's election that we can challenge the Conservatives in the southern wards and offer the change that people clearly want.
"As well as our eight wins, we also only lost by 11 votes in Henfield and we were very proud of our performance in the West Chiltington, Thakeham and Ashington ward.
"We would like to thank everyone who stood as a candidate in all wards of the district, everyone who helped with our campaigns and to everyone who voted for us.
“Our new councillors are looking forward to working hard for their wards and carrying on the good work started by Bob Platt, Mike Croker and Joan Grech.”
Labour council leader Beccy Cooper tweeted: "Huge thanks to our #Worthing Communities for electing us to run a #Labour Council for a second year! Fantastic to hold all our seats and to gain an additional fabulous Councillor in Castle Ward.”