Statement from leaders of Eastbourne, Wealden, Lewes and Hastings

A statement has been published from council leaders in Eastbourne, Wealden, Lewes and Hastings in relation to the cancellation of the East Sussex County Council elections.

Statement from the Leaders of East Sussex Local Authorities

Publish Date: 12 February 2025

We are deeply disappointed that the government has agreed to cancel the elections.

We have made clear that we do not oppose devolution, but that this must be done with the consent of residents, businesses and partners. The government has ignored this.

Whilst we object to this decision, we will – as always- put the best interests of residents ahead of everything.

The services that the districts and borough councils provide are multiple and vary greatly even within East Sussex. We will work together to protect them.

We will do everything in our power to promote the vital importance of Eastbourne, Hastings, Lewes, and Wealden, ensuring that the services that matter most to our residents are not downgraded as part of any reorganisation.

At this time, most future governance arrangements and how we will arrive at them remain unclear. These important details will be confirmed over the coming months, and we will keep our residents up to date and fully informed.

source: Statement from the Leaders of East Sussex Local Authorities – Wealden District Council – Wealden District Council