1 week Ago
A former council leader has launched his bid to be the county’s first mayor. Dan Yates has put himself forward to become Labour’s candidate for the mayoral election in May 2026. The role will be responsible for running a "mayoral strategic authority" covering all of Sussex, including Brighton and Hove.
Government ministers approved the scheme in February as part of its ongoing push for devolution . The mayor will have powers over the economy, infrastructure, transport, inward investment, housing and skills and will take over the functions of the police and crime commissioner. Mr Yates served as leader of Brighton and Hove City Council between 2018 and 2019 and was a key figure in the Labour administration from 2015 to 2020.
The 52-year-old served as councillor until 2023. Before that, he served as a member on Adur District Council. “I’ve lived in Sussex for over thirty years and have made it my home,” he said.
“I've built my family and my career here, and I have lived in both East and West Sussex. I have been an NHS physiotherapist for 30 years and I have worked in Chichester, Littlehampton, Worthing, Shoreham, Brighton, Eastbourne and Haywards Heath. “I have served local people as a parish, district and city councillor, as well as previously being the leader of Brighton and Hove City Council but I am not a career politician.
“Fundamentally, I am just a local resident whose passion is improving outcomes for our local communities. “For too long Sussex has suffered from a lack of focus, a lack of ambition and under investment that has seen people in communities across Sussex cut off from the opportunities that other parts of the country benefit from. “Having a mayor from 2026 means greater powers and long term investment can be brought back into Sussex from London.
I want more decisions about Sussex to be made in Sussex.” Read more: Former Worthing MP Tim Loughton launches bid to become mayor Mr Yates said his priorities include to “get Sussex moving” with a single Sussex Bus Network “serving all our communities and putting Sussex needs ahead of shareholders profits”, to tackle the county’s “housing crisis” and build “proper communities” with schools, GP surgeries and community facilities and to grow Sussex’s economy with a focus on “strong local businesses”. He also said he wants people to feel that police are present in communities and took a swipe at current Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne , who is also standing to be mayor, and said another priority is protecting Sussex’s environment.
“One of my first actions as mayor will be to negotiate a long-term investment fund from the government and bring on board a range of experts and business owners to make sure that long-term decisions are taken in the best interests of us, the people of Sussex,” he said. “I have the skills, experience and passion to deliver for Sussex and that’s why I have decided that once Labour commences its selection process, I am going the seek its nomination. “I hope that you will want to be part of that and support me – we can all make a difference and make a Sussex we are proud of for the future.
” So far, other hopefuls include current Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne and former MP for East Worthing and Shoreham Tim Loughton..
