With a Combined Mayoral Authority (CMA) proposed for Sussex and Brighton, weβre getting closer to the reality of a directly elected regional mayor. But what does that really mean?
This is a new political role with real powers, and if other devolution deals are anything to go by, here's what Sussex's mayor could be responsible for:
π Transport
Likely to become the Local Transport Authority, with powers to:
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Franchise and reform bus services
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Develop a regional transport strategy
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Bid for infrastructure funds and deliver joined-up road, rail and active travel improvements
ποΈ Housing & Planning
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Create a Spatial Development Strategy for Sussex (think: big-picture housing, employment land and climate adaptation)
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Influence major developments, brownfield funding, and regeneration schemes
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Possibly establish Mayoral Development Corporations for major projects (like Brighton Marina or Gatwick corridor hubs)
π Skills & Adult Education
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Control over the Adult Education Budget
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Shape regional skills plans, aligning training with employer demand (e.g. care, logistics, green tech)
π° Investment & Economic Growth
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Manage devolved economic development funds (as seen in other deals, such as Β£30m/year for 30 years)
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Create business support programmes and coordinate inward investment
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Promote regional clusters like creative industries, logistics, green energy
π± Net Zero & Environment
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Develop a regional climate strategy
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Direct investment into green infrastructure and retrofit schemes
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Coordinate nature recovery and environmental resilience across districts
π©Ί Public Health
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Influence over regional health inequalities, prevention strategies, and integration of services through collaboration with NHS partners and directors of public health.
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Potential to lead cross-council initiatives on mental health, active travel, air quality, and social isolation.
π¨ Public Safety (optional)
This is about long-term strategic power over how we live, work, move and thrive in Sussex.
And the person elected in 2026 will need to balance coastal, rural, and city priorities - on everything from skills to sustainability.
So, aside from the politics - what kind of vision do you think they should have?