Ben Dempsey, Lib Dem candidate for Mayor of Sussex
Ben Dempsey, Lib Dem candidate for Mayor of Sussex
Sussex Liberal Democrats have nominated environmental expert Ben Dempsey as their candidate for the upcoming election for Mayor of Sussex.
With a professional background in nature conservation and senior roles in humanitarian organisations like Save the Children, Ben will bring the necessary qualities and experience to deliver a fair deal for all residents. He will work to improve transport across the county and use his environmental expertise to focus on protecting the environment and stopping sewage dumping in the sea and rivers. He will act on the cost of living and unlocking Sussex’s potential for an economy that works for everyone.
The Sussex Mayor will be the first Sussex-wide Mayor, with the election taking place next May, and will have powers over transport, the economy, planning, and housing, from Chichester to Rye.
The party says that with the Conservatives and Labour in free-fall, Liberal Democrats are the only party that can beat Reform by standing up for unity over division.
Ben Dempsey has previously served as District Councillor for Hassocks and was the Lib Dem parliamentary candidate for the new East Grinstead and Uckfield constituency in 2024, where he finished second. He lives in Ditchling with his wife and children.
Ben Dempsey, said:
“People across Sussex are worried about the cost of living, the state of our transport, health and care services, and the condition of our environment. They are also alarmed at the rise of populist right-wing politics, as some try to sow division in our communities”.
"A lot of people have lost all faith in politics; it's time we restored some hope."
“The Sussex I know is decent, tolerant and open-minded. This election is a chance to promote a positive, unifying vision for stronger communities, better services, and a thriving environment. In my career, I have experience of bringing people together with a shared vision of what’s possible. That’s what I will do as Mayor of Sussex, helping to restore decency to our politics and deliver the things people most care about. I will focus on a fair deal on housing, better public transport, and making Sussex a nature superpower”.
“I will deliver by reaching across party divides, looking for common ground. Liberal Democrats will win with unity, not division. We are focusing on British values of tolerance, decency, and respect. In this election, we are the party best placed to stand up for those values, win the mayoral election, and chart a positive future for Sussex.”
Ben’s priorities include:
- A new deal for housing – delivering low-cost, sustainable homes that people need based on a clear vision for the future, promoting new homes without giving free rein to developers.
- Transport that works – especially delivering more and cheaper bus services to support rural and urban parts of the county, better link east to west, and help regenerate our communities and economy.
- Making Sussex a nature superpower – putting nature recovery at the heart of decision-making, especially planning, to improve our health and well-being and strengthen Sussex’s nature-based economy.
The election for Sussex Mayor is a new role introduced by the Government as part of local council reorganisation. The election will take place on May 7, 2026.
If you want to see a future for Sussex built on hope and unity, join us today.
Vote for Ben Dempsey
