Chichester Liberal Democrats

13/08/2026

Congratulations to all the A-level, T-Level and BTEC students who will have received their results this morning.

Whether you’re celebrating the grades you hoped for, taking a different path than expected, or figuring out your next steps, today is a moment to recognise the hard work, determination and commitment that got you here.

Thank you to all the teachers, lecturers and support staff at our excellent local colleges and sixth forms across the Chichester District, who work so hard to support young people across our area.

We also look forward to welcoming lots of new students to the area in September as they begin their journey at the University of Chichester.

Whatever comes next, we wish everyone receiving their results today the very best of luck for the future.

19/07/2026

05/07/2026

Two years ago today, people across the Chichester constituency were waking up to find out that we’d made history, overturning a Conservative majority that had held the seat for 100 years.

That night will stay with me for the rest of my life and I’ll be forever grateful to all the people who worked so hard to achieve our result.

I also remember Keir Starmer promising ‘politics will tread lightly on our lives’. That was short lived!

Who knows what the next two years will bring, but I will continue to focus on the job in hand; I am so proud to represent our community on a national stage and drive change and improvements for us all.

Two years done! Thank you!

04/07/2026

Two years on from the General Election and the Liberal Democrat’s are delivering real change both across the UK but here locally in Chichester.

Jess has led the way in standing up for local residents and businesses, and your Lib Dem council is delivering strong services, firm finances and empowering communities across the District.

26/06/2026

Councillor Rhys Chant (Chichester East) has been appointed to serve as the new Cabinet Member for Communities and Wellbeing at Chichester District Council.

Bringing a wealth of experience from the local arts and culture sector, Cllr Chant previously led the Chichester Arts Forum and currently serves as a Trustee of Chichester Festival Theatre. Their appointment reflects a longstanding commitment to supporting community wellbeing, cultural engagement and local organisations across the district.

Chichester District Council has announced that Councillor Rhys Chant has been appointed as its new Cabinet Member for Communities and Wellbeing.

13/06/2026

Congratulations to Councillor Clare Apel who has been awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours for her contribution to the voluntary sector and to holocaust education.

As a long serving and dedicated local councillor, Clare has made significant contributions to the wellbeing of Chichester residents. As a former Trustee of Stonepillow, Chichester Marks Holocaust Memorial Day and through her involvement with several charities over the last three decades, Clare is a true champion of Chichester.

To us at the Liberal Democrat’s, Clare is a stalwart of everything it means to care about your community. As Chair of Chichester District Council, and as a former Mayor, she stands out as someone who goes above and beyond for others.

Congratulations Clare!

30/05/2026

22/05/2026

On 7th May, the Liberal Democrats won 23 seats in the county council elections, joint equal with Reform. We have demonstrated once again, after a string of by-election wins in 2025, that we are the only party that has the depth of support in West Sussex to stop Reform bringing the chaos they’ve brought to Kent, Staffordshire and beyond.

Today, following confirmation at the Annual Meeting of West Sussex County Council, we are leading a joint administration called “Alliance for West Sussex”.

As soon as the results were announced, Liberal Democrats worked to bring together councillors who are willing to work hard and collaboratively for the benefit of our residents.

“Alliance for West Sussex” is created through a formal agreement that will see the Council led by Liberal Democrats and supported by Independent, Green and Labour councillors to provide essential services for our residents and communities and to ensure a smooth transition to the proposed new unitary authorities over the next two years. The agreement sees the parties commit to act in the best interests of residents, reflect their views and aim to create a better West Sussex.

Decades of Conservative control have seen devastating failures in children’s social care and the fire service, huge IT overspend and the ongoing failure to maintain our roads, followed by a desperate attempt to deny the elections and cling on to power.
Speaking following his appointment as Leader of West Sussex County Council, Cllr Jay Mercer said:

“It is a tough time for local government – but we are determined to make a difference on the issues that matter to you. That is why today I am proud to announce the formation of the Alliance for West Sussex, led by Liberal Democrats and working for you.

You may not see changes tomorrow, but you will see changes soon and we promise we will work hard for you every day. The Liberal Democrats commit to work together with our Alliance partners on your behalf, to deliver the essential services you rely on, to unpick the legacy of Conservative failings and to ensure Reform cannot bring chaos to West Sussex.”

When asked for her reaction to the new administration at West Sussex County Council, Jess Brown-Fuller, Member of Parliament for Chichester said:

“I want to say congratulations to the new Councillors at West Sussex County Council, it takes commitment to put yourself forward to represent your community.

This new administration brings an opportunity for positive change at West Sussex County Council, and with the Liberal Democrats at the helm of this progressive administration, County Hall can focus on prioritising what matters most to residents. I look forward to working with Jay and other members of the County Council to deliver on the priorities of residents through stronger services, upgrades to infrastructure and putting our communities first.”

22/05/2026

On 7th May, the Liberal Democrats won 23 seats in the county council elections, joint equal with Reform. We have demonstrated once again, after a string of by-election wins in 2025, that we are the only party that has the depth of support in West Sussex to stop Reform bringing the chaos they’ve brought to Kent, Staffordshire and beyond.

Today, following confirmation at the Annual Meeting of West Sussex County Council, we are leading a joint administration called “Alliance for West Sussex”.

As soon as the results were announced, Liberal Democrats worked to bring together councillors who are willing to work hard and collaboratively for the benefit of our residents.

“Alliance for West Sussex” is created through a formal agreement that will see the Council led by Liberal Democrats and supported by Independent, Green and Labour councillors to provide essential services for our residents and communities and to ensure a smooth transition to the proposed new unitary authorities over the next two years. The agreement sees the parties commit to act in the best interests of residents, reflect their views and aim to create a better West Sussex.

Decades of Conservative control have seen devastating failures in children’s social care and the fire service, huge IT overspend and the ongoing failure to maintain our roads, followed by a desperate attempt to deny the elections and cling on to power.
Speaking following his appointment as Leader of West Sussex County Council, Cllr Jay Mercer said:

“It is a tough time for local government – but we are determined to make a difference on the issues that matter to you. That is why today I am proud to announce the formation of the Alliance for West Sussex, led by Liberal Democrats and working for you.
You may not see changes tomorrow, but you will see changes soon and we promise we will work hard for you every day. The Liberal Democrats commit to work together with our Alliance partners on your behalf, to deliver the essential services you rely on, to unpick the legacy of Conservative failings and to ensure Reform cannot bring chaos to West Sussex.”

When asked for her reaction to the new administration at West Sussex County Council, Jess Brown-Fuller, Member of Parliament for Chichester said:

“Congratulations to all of the new Councillors at West Sussex County Council. This new administration brings an opportunity for positive change at West Sussex County Council, and with the Liberal Democrats at the helm of this progressive administration, County Hall can focus on prioritising what matters most to residents. I look forward to working with Jay Mercer and other members of the County Council to deliver on the priorities of residents through stronger services, upgrades to infrastructure and putting our communities first.”

10/05/2026