Chichester’s MP, Jess Brown-Fuller, has expressed concerns about the fast-tracking of devolution for Sussex and Hampshire.
Yesterday marked a pivotal moment as the government announced the initiation of the devolution process, leading to the suspension of local elections set for May. This change aligns with actions across Hampshire, where Portsmouth City Council has expressed satisfaction with the swift decision to establish a new Strategic Authority encompassing Portsmouth, Southampton, Hampshire, and the Isle of Wight. This move sets the stage for the election of new mayors throughout the South, anticipated for May 2026.
Amid these developments, concerns have been voiced by Chichester's MP, Jess Brown-Fuller, in an interview with V2 Radio. She gave her view on devolution and the possibility for a pan-Sussex Mayor, potentially residing in Crawley or Brighton, casting doubt on whether such a figure could effectively understand and represent the unique needs of Chichester's residents. She pointed out that while devolution may offer benefits to some regions, it might not be as advantageous for others.
During a deeper conversation with V2 Radio's News Editor, Philip Keeler, Jess shared insights on her experience as a new MP, her perspective on the devolution strategy, and her thoughts on American politics, particularly regarding diversity.
Listen to the full interview here.
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