Why are there no elections in Brighton and Hove?
Getty ImagesOn 7 May residents in Brighton and Hove might take time to visit the beach, go to a local park or eat at one of the city's many cafes, pubs or restaurants.
But they will not be heading to a polling station.
There are no elections being held in the city because, unlike the rest of East and West Sussex, it has been run by a unitary authority since 1997.
Brighton & Hove City Council (BHCC) is responsible for running all local services and operates on a different election timetable to its neighbours.
It holds elections for all of its councillors every four years, with the most recent in May 2023 when Labour won control from the Green Party.
It is due hold its next election in May 2027.
Councils reorganisation
Like all of Sussex, Brighton and Hove's council is on the government's devolution priority programme meaning residents are expecting to elect their first mayor in May 2028.
The mayor will be responsible for strategic decision making on transport, skills, housing, economic growth, public safety and public service reform.
Last week BHCC joined with East and West Sussex County Councils to set up the Sussex & Brighton Strategic Authority which will prepare for the new mayor's responsibilities.
The authority is being given access to £30.4 over the next two years to invest in economic growth, boost skills and improve transport.
Ministry for Housing, Communities & Local GovernmentMeanwhile, Sussex is preparing to replace all of its existing county, borough and district councils with new unitary authorities.
In September 2025 council leaders submitted varying proposals on how many new authorities should be created and what size and shape they should take.
In March, secretary of state for local government Steve Reed said he had 'concerns' over all the proposals submitted and delayed his decision on Sussex and Brighton to consult the public again.
He outlined a modified plan that would see Sussex and Brighton divided into four unitary authorities.
The plan includes dividing West Sussex into two areas and a controversial plan to expand BHCC out to East Saltdean, Telescombe Cliffs, Peacehaven and Falmer parish, areas currently within East Sussex and Lewes district.
Reed said elections to new unitary authorities for Sussex and Brighton would still go ahead as expected in May 2027.
