West Sussex Residents Encouraged To 'Be A Councillor'

In May 2025 West Sussex County Council  will hold a whole-council election giving West Sussex residents the chance to vote for who will represent them on the council.

Whole-council elections happen every four years and the council says now is a good time to start thinking about whether you have what it takes to represent your local community and be a county councillor.

People across West Sussex are being encouraged to consider putting themselves forward to stand for election as part of the nationwide ‘Be A Councillor’ campaign.

Local councillors come from all walks of life and with varying backgrounds, experiences and family lives. Some have full time jobs or caring responsibilities, some choose to represent a political party, others stand as independents.

The most important thing, they say, is a desire to make a difference for your community.

The county council is organising a series of events across West Sussex for anyone wanting to find out more about what being a county councillor involves. The events provide an opportunity to talk to existing county councillors and learn more about what to do if you decide to stand for election.

There’s no need to book and you can join us at any of these events taking place between February and June this year:

• 20 February: Crawley Library
• 5 March: Shoreham-by-Sea Library
• 21 March: Littlehampton Library
• 11 May: Worthing Library
• 16 May: Burgess Hill Library
• 5 June: Horsham Library
• 18 June: County Hall, Chichester (this event can also be joined virtually).

Full details, including timing, can be found here: https://www.local.gov.uk/be-councillor/councils/west-sussex-county-council

‘Rewarding experience’

West Sussex County Council Chairman Councillor Pete Bradbury said: 

“Whatever your politics, there has never been a more important time to be a councillor and represent your local community.

“The county council needs councillors who are keen, energetic and engaged, with a commitment to local people and a passion for good local services. It’s truly a rewarding experience.

“Our work and the decisions we make help improve the lives of all of our residents as well as supporting businesses and communities across West Sussex.

“There are challenges too of course, not least the current financial pressures we all face. New councillors will have much to learn but, as councillors, we all have access to training, support and guidance to help us get things done making the best of the resources we have.

“If you would like to represent your community and make a difference in West Sussex, please come along to one of our events and find out more.”

 --------------------------------

More information 

The West Sussex County Council ‘Be A Councillor’ campaign page contains full information including eligibility to stand, the role of a county councillor, how to stand, and details of all drop-in events.

Email democratic.services@westsussex.gov if you would like further information.

Our Council Plan is West Sussex County Council’s plan and outlines the priorities and outcomes we want to achieve for people who live and work in West Sussex.

Debate Not Hate is the national campaign to promote healthy debate and disagreement as part of democracy, while warning of the risks of abuse and intimidation.