The Sussex And The City Podcast

– Episode 25:

Why I Want To Be Mayor (Part Four)

Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Dr Ben Dempsey - Liberal Democrat candidate for Mayor of Sussex & Brighton

🔍 Episode summary

In this special episode, Richard Freeman sits down with Ben Dempsey, the newly selected Liberal Democrat candidate for Mayor of Sussex & Brighton – and only the second confirmed name on the ballot paper for the 2026 election.

Born and raised in Haywards Heath, educated at the University of Sussex, and with a career spanning international development, humanitarian aid and environmental conservation, Ben makes the case that he can link global experience with deep local roots.

They discuss why he's running, how he plans to unite a politically fragmented county, and why he believes fairness, civility and practical action must define Sussex's new devolved future.

From housing and buses to biodiversity and local democracy, this is a grounded conversation about what leadership might look like for a county ready to reinvent itself.

"If we can capture a proud Sussex identity - radical, creative, beautiful - that's our untapped economic power."

This episode is brought to you in partnership with:

Shake It Up Creative – the Worthing-based marketing and web agency helping businesses stand out with style, strategy and substance.

Whether it's building a slick website, crafting a brand from scratch, or demystifying PR and SEO, Shake It Up brings clarity and confidence to marketing. Known for their collaborative mindset and straight-talking advice, they've supported hundreds of startups, charities and SMEs through their #ShakeItHub initiative and mentoring with BIPC, Community Works and Enterprise Nation.

🏆 Finalists at the 2025 Independent Agency Awards for Best Promotional Campaign. 👉 shakeitupcreative.com

🎯 Why this matters

"A Sussex mayor will only work if we show early wins - and buses are the place to start."

🧠 Topics covered include:

• Ben's journey from Save the Children to Sussex environmental researcher
• What motivated him to stand as the first Mayor of Sussex & Brighton
• The challenge of uniting a politically diverse and divided region
• How transport connectivity and bus reform could be Sussex's biggest early win
• Why housing fairness and environmental recovery can (and must) coexist
• Lessons from Sussex's natural capital – Knepp, Ashdown Forest, and Sussex Bay
• How to build public trust in devolution after years of political fatigue
• Why tone and civility matter as much as policy in rebuilding trust
• His first 100-day priorities: buses, biodiversity, and quick wins for local councils

"We can weave nature into a landscape that contains people. That's what Sussex has always done."

📚 Further reading and references

• Ben Dempsey – Liberal Democrat Candidate for Mayor of Sussex & Brighton

• Liberal Democrat Voice – "We Will Win With Unity, Not Division"

• Knepp Wilding Project

• Sussex Bay – Seascape Restoration Partnership

• Ashdown Forest Research and Conservation

🎧 Production credits

Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Ben Dempsey Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded: Projects, The Lanes - Brighton

📣 Get involved

Want a joined-up Sussex story? Want to help shape devolution so it actually works for people and places? 👉 https://sussexandthecity.info — episodes, resources and events.