Sussex leaders form new mayoral Partnership Board

On 10th October, civic and political leaders from across Sussex and Brighton gathered for the first meeting of a newly formed Informal Partnership Board - a key step on the road to establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority (MCCA) for the region.

This new board brings together senior figures from Brighton & Hove City Council, East Sussex and West Sussex County Councils, including Cllrs Bella Sankey, Keith Glazier and Paul Marshall, as well as local universities, emergency services, NHS, colleges and community leaders.

📌 Why now?

Back in summer 2024, Sussex was selected for the government’s Devolution Priority Programme, following a joint proposal from the three upper-tier councils. That bid promised stronger regional collaboration and faster access to funding for housing, transport, skills and the environment. After a public consultation, the green light was given - and the groundwork for a 2026 Mayoral election has now begun. This meeting marks the shift from vision to preparation.

📃 What was discussed?

The board talked through the emerging shape of a new Sussex & Brighton Combined Authority - with shared priorities in:

• Economic development and investment

• Integrated transport and active travel

• Affordable housing and regeneration

• Climate adaptation and environmental planning

• Coordinated public services

A key focus was practical readiness: how to make sure the new authority can deliver from day one.

That includes appointing an interim Chief Executive Officer, planning for shadow years (2026–2028), and ensuring the voices of boroughs and districts - many of which will be restructured or merged - are not lost in the process.

🗣️ What the leaders said

Cllr Paul Marshall (West Sussex):

“Working together will give Sussex a voice at the centre of government on the things that matter - infrastructure, growth, transport.”

Cllr Keith Glazier (East Sussex):

“This is about reflecting the unique needs, challenges and aspirations of our communities. And doing it together.”

Cllr Bella Sankey (Brighton & Hove):

“Devolution means influence and investment closer to where people live - so we can deliver more homes, more jobs and better public transport.”

🎯 So what next?

Before the Combined Authority becomes official, it still needs formal consent from the three full councils, and enabling legislation in Parliament.

But the intention is clear: a single regional institution, led by an elected Mayor, delivering for the whole of Sussex and Brighton.

And the message from the room was also clear: this won’t work without continued public input, strong local leadership - and a shared sense of Sussex purpose.

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