Should there be a Sussex political party?

Writes Ian Steedman, of St George’s Road, Worthing
By Letter by a Reader
Published 22nd Jan 2022, 17:44 BST
Amberley, in West Sussex. Photograph: Steve Robards/ SR2107262Amberley, in West Sussex. Photograph: Steve Robards/ SR2107262
Amberley, in West Sussex. Photograph: Steve Robards/ SR2107262

About 20 years ago I toyed with the idea of setting up a political party for Sussex, which I called Sussex First.

I still use that title for anything I do for the county. I was, however, very busy at work (Southern Water) and so the idea fell by the way side and then I started my suggestion for us to have a Sussex Day – which is now well known.

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My thoughts of a Sussex political party would have been for Sussex issues and members would have been pitted against the main political parties.

Lewes, in East Sussex. Photograph: Peter Cripps/ 5-2-20 (19)Lewes, in East Sussex. Photograph: Peter Cripps/ 5-2-20 (19)
Lewes, in East Sussex. Photograph: Peter Cripps/ 5-2-20 (19)

In a way I think it would have been similar to the Scottish political party which, as you know, has become very popular in Scotland.

I would like to see Sussex move away a little from this country as people of Sussex are independently minded but I suspect that is a long way off.

In the meantime we could continue to do our best for our historic county and I’ll use a bit of President Kennedy’s 1960 speech: “Ask not what Sussex can do for you but ask what you can do for Sussex.”

Related topics:SussexSouthern WaterScotland

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