Local elections will be taking place all over the SECA region on May 7th. With the upheavals of devolution, local government reorganisation and on-off election dates, local democracy is going through a confusing time. But there are good reasons to gather our energy to keep climate and nature in the minds of voters and candidates, writes Sally Barnard
In this blog you can find what elections are happening in your area, why they are important, and some suggestions for what you and your group might do. Above all, get out and vote! And encourage family, friends and young people to do so too. Small numbers can make a big difference in local elections.
Which elections are being held on May 7th?
SURREY
There will be elections for two brand new councils: East Surrey Council and West Surrey Council. In April 2027, after a transition year, these two new Unitary Councils will replace all twelve existing County, Borough and District councils. There is currently no timetable set for a Surrey Mayor.
These newly elected councillors will be highly influential in setting the course for Surrey over the next few years.
SUSSEX
There will be elections for all the seats in East and West Sussex County Councils, plus borough council elections in Adur, Crawley, Hastings and Worthing. The election of a Sussex Mayor has been postponed until May 2028.
If campaigning energy is limited, it’s probably best to focus on the county council elections. They will have the most influence as the new Unitary Councils and Mayoral Authority emerge over the next two years. From May 2028 all County, Borough and District councils will be scrapped.
HAMPSHIRE
There will be elections for Hampshire County Council and Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton Unitary Councils plus district council elections in Fareham, Gosport, Basingstoke, Eastleigh, Hart, Havant, Rushmoor and Winchester. The election of a Hampshire and Solent Mayor has been postponed until 2028.
Again, the County Council and current Unitary councils will be the most influential in the lead up to new Unitary and Mayoral Authorities before they take over in 2028.
KENT: There is only one election in Kent this year, which is to Tunbridge Wells Borough Council. Wins for candidates with strong climate and nature credentials would send a clear message. There are currently no plans for a Mayoral Authority in Kent. Kent County Council is currently led by Reform.
Why are these local elections important?
Climate action is increasingly under attack – in some parts of the media and by some political parties. There is a real risk that our councils could shift politically in ways that sideline climate and nature priorities.
Years of hard work have gone into building council climate action. This is the worst time to take the foot off the pedal. We need strong representation from people who understand what’s at stake and can keep climate and nature resilience at the centre of council thinking.
What can we do to boost the climate and nature vote?
Here are some suggestions that we have gathered together:
Surrey – Our Future Surrey Pledge
If you are based in Surrey you can take part in the Our Future Surrey pledge campaign, coordinated by Surrey Climate Commission. This is an exciting new venture “bringing together community groups to secure public commitments from election candidates on the issues Surrey residents care most about: cutting energy bills, improving transport, protecting green spaces, and building healthier communities. Developed with local environmental groups, the pledge frames climate action as practical answers to everyday concerns — lower household costs, cleaner air, better access to nature. Our goal is to get candidates signed up before the May 7th elections, then hold elected councillors to account on delivery. We’re looking for organisations to join us — whether as an Endorsing Partner (minimal time, maximum impact) or an Active Partner helping to directly lobby candidates.” Find out more and get involved at ourfuturesurrey.org.
Friends of the Earth local election resources: Friends of the Earth (FoE) have lots of suggestions for campaigning. Read their guide to why local elections matter and find their comprehensive campaign guide and resources here. Their approach is about creating a simple Charter of Hope with your community, sharing it and using it to engage with candidates. They guide you through the process in simple steps.
Greenpeace: Greenpeace will be sending out information on how to make your vote count in the May elections. “This is our chance to send a clear message to the government: we want progressive policies that protect our planet, lower our bills, support workers, clean our rivers, and build a fairer, greener future for everybody” Get your info pack here. Greenpeace groups may be out campaigning in your area to raise environmental issues in the election campaign. If you want to help, find your local group here.
Hustings and film showings: Hold a hustings – here’s our advice and also FoE’s take – or show a film such as The People’s Emergency Briefing and invite candidates along to give a statement /answer questions (with thanks to Transition Chichester for this idea).
Or finally – decide on a political party that best follows your aims, and has a chance of winning, and join them on the campaign trail.
Deciding how to vote:
Vote Climate is a membership organisation which aims to “maximise your vote to save the planet”. For an optional donation, you can sign up for analysis of party policies and voting recommendations in your area.
Pollcheck gives projected outcomes for the local elections, analysed by wards.
UK Climate and Nature Policy Pledge Tracker from Hope for the Future tracks how far parties’ policies have been followed through.
Lastly, join a county network…
As Unitary and Mayoral Authorities take shape, we will need to organise at county level to have most influence. So make sure that you and your group get connected now and start sharing ideas!
These are the county level networks that we know of:
Hampshire and Solent: If you are not already a member of Hampshire Climate Action Network email them on HCAN@winacc.og.uk. They have a new joint initiative with Hampshire and Solent Wildlife Trust called Voice for Climate and Nature which aims to get community views for the environment, climate and nature reflected in the policies of the emerging Mayoral Authorities. Sign up for updates on their home page.
Sussex and Brighton: Sussex Climate and Nature Network (SCAN) is a fledgling network of groups and individuals covering the whole of Sussex and Brighton. It is currently operating as a WhatsApp group and attracting many members – you can join here. The group held its first face to face meeting in Lewes in February, and there is a lot of enthusiasm to build on this. Please join the group and introduce yourself. Volunteers with organising skills and time are especially welcome to help the network develop!
Surrey: Surrey Climate Commission is an independent body supporting and amplifying climate action and nature recovery across Surrey. Sign up for updates here.
We are stronger together!
Sally Barnard is a founding member of Sussex Climate and Nature Network and a member of the SECA Core Group. She can be contacted at southeastclimatealliance@gmail.com