Horsham Liberal Democrats double their number of seats at West Sussex County Council

In local elections held on Thursday, 7 May, residents across Horsham District backed local Liberal Democrat community champions, electing eight Liberal Democrat County Councillors.

Not only did the existing four local Liberal Democrat County Councillors increase their majorities in St Leonards Forest, Riverside, Horsham Hurst, and Horsham East, but voters also elected four new Lib Dem Councillors in Broadbridge, Southwater & Nuthurst, Holbrook, and Billingshurst.

Elections went ahead despite the Conservative administration at West Sussex County Hall seeking to cancel elections for a second successive year.

The results show the Liberal Democrats winning 23 of 70 seats in West Sussex, an increase of 13 seats. Locally, these wins follow successes at Horsham District in 2023, the election of John Milne MP in 2024, and the Lib Dems winning all three local by-elections in 2025.

Jay Mercer, Liberal Democrat Group Leader, said:

“We’re committed to serving our local communities well, as we already do at district and parliamentary levels. The results, both locally and across West Sussex, show the trust placed in hard-working Lib Dem Councillors, who work not for themselves but for their residents.”

“In the Horsham area, we have built on the very real successes of the Liberal Democrat run Horsham District Council and our popular and highly active Lib Dem MP, John Milne. Voters will be well represented by dedicated Lib Dem County Councillors.”

“Speaking to thousands of residents over the last couple of months, our councillors are connected to their local communities and know the hard work ahead after years of managed decline under a distant, out-of-touch Conservative administration.”

The turnout across the area was far higher than in previous local elections, with long queues outside many local polling stations into the evening. The turnout was 47% across West Sussex compared to 37% in 2021. 

The County electoral map now shows Horsham and the surrounding areas and villages in the north of the district are represented by Liberal Democrats, with eight out of eleven divisions in Horsham District backing them. 

Malcolm Brierley, Chair of Horsham Liberal Democrats, commented:

“Voters turned out in high numbers to elect Liberal Democrat Councillors committed to getting things done.  Horsham Lib Dems have a proven record in local government, and this clear support from voters will ensure that all residents and communities are put first, regardless of who they voted for.”

Elections in May 2025 were cancelled by the Labour Government, following a request from the Conservatives at County Hall.  The Conservatives again sought to cancel the 2026 elections, but the cancellation was not legally sound.

Jay Mercer added, “Operating on an expired mandate, residents unanimously rejected the managed decline by the former Conservative administration.”

Reform UK went into the election with 1 defected Conservative Councillor and left the count with no County Councillors in Horsham District.

Malcolm Brierley said, “Despite seeing overseas crypto billionaire-funded material through our doors, this election was never about national politics, with Horsham District’s voters rejecting the divisive messaging from Reform - instead, people voted for a Better West Sussex.”

Results across West Sussex have meant no party has overall control of West Sussex County Council.