Tim Loughton, who was the MP for East Worthing and Shoreham for 27 years, has launched his campaign to be the Conservative 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.
For half of his 27 years in Parliament the 62-year-old served on the Conservative frontbench, including as Minister for Children and Young People. For ten years he was deputy chairman and chairman of the Home Affairs Select Committee and chaired all party parliamentary groups in a range of areas.
Mr Loughton was born in Eastbourne, attended The Pells and Priory Schools in Lewes, grew up and was married in Alfriston and has lived in West Sussex for many years.
He is campaigning under the banner of “rooted in Sussex, rooting for Sussex” and says his six key policies are: “Taking control of our own finances: Sussex revenues for Sussex infrastructure, making Sussex a place where young people can learn well, earn well and afford to make their homes closer to home, fewer roadworks and more roads that work, a joined-up Sussex skills programme to get Sussex working and attract inward investment, more visible police officers pursuing criminals rather than political correctness, valuing our farmers against Labour’s attacks and protecting our rich downland and coastal environment.”
Mr Loughton faces competition from current Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne, who announced she would be standing earlier this year.
Speaking in February, Ms Bourne said that she would be putting herself forward when elections are held as her current role “will be assumed by the new mayor”.
She told The Argus: “Under current proposals, if Sussex gets a mayor, the role and responsibilities of the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner will be assumed by the new mayor.
“As a result, I will be seeking to ensure that, under a mayoral model of police governance, the unique local identity and character of our police force is preserved and the public’s voice in policing will continue to be strongly articulated across all of Sussex, including our rural towns and villages.
“To this end, I will be seeking nomination for mayoral candidacy in due course.”
Under the devolution plans, Brighton and Hove City Council’s boundaries could expand to include neighbouring authorities.
The plans were put forward by leaders of Brighton and Hove City Council and East and West Sussex County Councils.
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