Here’s an overview of the May 2026 local elections. Read on, or jump straight to the questions we’re asking candidates.
On 7 May 2026, the people of West Sussex have the opportunity to elect local councillors. These particular elections will be unique – marking the last elections of our current two-tier system before Local Government Reorganisation ushers in a unitary council to take responsibility for all local matters.
At present, we have two layers of local government:
West Sussex County Council is responsible for our highways, streets and rights of way, as well as education and many other areas. All WSCC seats are up for election on 7 May, including 5 seats that cover the area of Adur.
Adur District Council deals with planning, public spaces, parking enforcement, and lots more. 14 of ADC’s 29 seats are up for election on 7 May.
Here’s where things get interesting…
The councillors elected this year will not serve full terms. In 2027, elections will take place for the new unitary council – the exact shape, size and name of which is not yet decided. The councillors elected in 2027 to this new council will spend a year ‘shadowing’ the work of their WSCC/ADC predecessors, before stepping fully into their roles in 2028.
So why do these elections matter?
Given the short terms to be served, you might think these elections might be unimportant. We disagree. Shoreham-by-Sea and the wider Adur area are now in urgent need of cycle infrastructure. Our population is growing rapidly, by thousands, as numerous housing developments open, mainly in an area poorly equipped for safe cycling.
We believe momentum is vital. We cannot afford for sustainable travel to be put ‘on hold’ during Local Government Transition. We need leadership and firm decision-making NOW. So as we approach a time of potential confusion and procrastination, we need the right local councillors – at county and district level – to fight for better transport options without any delay.
Our questions
To help you decide where to place your vote, we are asking three important questions of the parties and candidates standing for election on 7 May…
1. How do you see the role of cycling and other forms of sustainable transport in an area facing extensive development, growing population, and fears of worsening congestion, air pollution and parking shortages?
2. Our members and other local people tell us they need more safe, direct cycling routes through our area. Among the network that has been long planned by WSCC and ADC, which routes do you see as being most urgent?
3. Over the next few years of huge transition for local government, how can councillors guard against the risk of stalling and delay in the progress that is urgently needed?
We are contacting local political parties to invite the responses of their candidates. But if you are an independent candidate or from a lesser-known party, do feel free to contact us at info@shorehambycycle.org.uk with your answers.
We will publish all the responses we receive from candidates or parties.
SHOREHAM-BY-CYCLE 