Ben Dempsey wins Liberal Democrat nomination for Mayor of Sussex & Brighton

Dr Benedict Dempsey has been chosen by Liberal Democrat members to lead the party’s campaign to become the first directly elected Mayor of Sussex, ahead of the May 2026 election.

Describing the nomination as “an honour,” Dempsey said he is ready to present “a Liberal Democrat vision for a prosperous, green and hopeful future for Sussex.”

A respected environmental expert and former parliamentary candidate, Dempsey was selected from a three-way contest, thanking fellow contenders Michael Wang and Stewart Stone for “great campaigns that have helped us to discuss the issues that matter.”

His campaign will focus on housing reform, integrated transport, stronger local services, and a nature-led economy.

“We can campaign for unity over division, based on our values of liberty, equality and community – values I strongly believe are shared by the majority of people in our county” 

Ben Dempsey has framed the contest as a chance for “tolerant, progressive politics to win,” pointing to a recent YouGov poll showing the Liberal Democrats just 3% behind Reform in Sussex.

He emphasised the party’s strength in local by-elections, where “as the Conservatives and Labour have fallen away, Liberal Democrats have shown how to beat Reform by doing what we do best – going door to door, listening to people and acting on the issues that matter.”

Launching the campaign in Brighton on 13th September with a by-election action day in Queen’s Park, Dempsey has made a direct appeal for supporters to get involved: “I will work as hard as I can for you, to deliver a win in the mayoral election. That work starts right now!”

About the candidate
Ben Dempsey grew up in Haywards Heath and now lives in Ditchling with his family. He has worked across Sussex, including as a councillor in Mid Sussex and in policy roles at major environmental and humanitarian charities. He holds a PhD in nature conservation from the University of Sussex and currently works for WWF.

🔗 Ben Dempsey's campaign website

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