The principle of devolution is one that many Conservatives can get behind.
Bringing decision-making closer to communities, cutting bureaucracy, and empowering local leaders aligns with Conservative values of localism, efficiency, and accountability.
However, Labour’s push for ‘super councils’ risks undermining these principles, particularly in rural and coastal areas where communities are already battling the Labour government for their fair share of investment.
I live in beautiful East Sussex, where I believe the newly government approved Sussex Mayoral Combined Authority presents an opportunity - but only if it works for every part of Sussex, not just the largest urban centres.
I support the idea of unitary councils - streamlined local authorities that replace overlapping district and county councils - because they can improve cost effectiveness, efficiency, and accountability without sacrificing local representation.
However, under this new Sussex-wide model, our rural and coastal communities' risk being overlooked in favour of wealthier and more urban areas. That must not happen.
Sussex is an amazing county, and its strength lies in its diversity. Brighton and Crawley are economic hubs with high-density populations, but towns like Hastings, Bognor Regis, Eastbourne, and Newhaven face unique pressures - coastal erosion, the decline of the fishing industry, and the need for sustainable investment in employment, health and education.
Similarly, our rural communities struggle with poor connectivity, inadequate transport links, and a lack of healthcare access. A mayor who only prioritises urban regeneration would fail to serve Sussex as a whole.
Angela Rayner is reorganising local government in England
PALabour would turn this new Combined Authority into an excuse for higher taxes, more red tape, and spiralling costs.
That is why we need a strong Conservative mayor who will fight for a low-tax, business friendly Sussex, not another layer of government waste.
I am seeking the Conservative nomination to be the first mayor of the new Sussex Mayoral Combined Authority.
Devolution should be about empowering every community, not just shifting decision-making from Westminster to another centralised body dominated by city-focused priorities.
We need a mayor who understands and fights for every part of our county, from Brighton’s creative industries to Hastings’ fishing fleet, from Crawley’s business hubs to the villages of the High Weald, and from the racing heritage of Goodwood to the working port of Shoreham.
The Combined Authority is a major shift in how our county will be governed. If done right, it could create exciting opportunities for economic growth, better services, and stronger communities.
But if left in the wrong hands, it risks becoming another politicised, bureaucratic structure where investment is made where the votes are, failing to deliver for everyone.
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Arundel, West Sussex
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Devolution must benefit every part of Sussex. A strong, decisive and unapologetic Conservative mayor, with a clear plan for uniting the county, can make this work.
We need someone who understands, nurtures and develops the unique strengths, and understands and addresses the challenges, of each part of Sussex, and who is willing to stand up for residents and businesses.
It means fighting for investment in the places that have been historically overlooked, ensuring that no town or village is left behind.
If chosen as the Conservative mayoral candidate, I will ensure this new Combined Authority delivers real benefits for all of Sussex based on practical, community-focused leadership.
This is a once in a generation opportunity to reshape the future of Sussex. We need a mayor who believes in the potential of every part of Sussex and will work tirelessly to unlock that potential, with a track record of getting things done, fighting for local businesses and driving real economic growth.
I am ready to lead that fight.
