Former Worthing MP Tim Loughton launches mayoral bid for Sussex

Former East Worthing & Shoreham MP Tim Loughton has announced his campaign to become the Conservative candidate for the newly created role of Mayor of Sussex.

Mr Loughton, who served as the MP for East Worthing & Shoreham from 1997 until 2024, launched his campaign under the slogan “Rooted in Sussex, Rooting for Sussex”. The new mayoral position, set to be elected in May 2026, will hold powers over areas including the economy, transport, housing, skills and policing.

His campaign centres on six key priorities: local control over Sussex’s finances, improving education and employment opportunities for young people, reducing disruptive roadworks, creating a cohesive skills programme, increasing visible policing, and supporting the county’s agricultural and environmental interests.

Highlighting his experience in both local and national government, Mr Loughton stated his intention to be a strong voice for Sussex. He emphasised his lifelong ties to the county, having been born in Eastbourne, educated in Lewes, and representing West Sussex in Parliament for nearly three decades.

Image by Richard Townshend, licensed under CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.