Two County Councillors step down following the cancellation of elections
After eight years as county councillor for Hassocks and Burgess Hill South, Kirsty Lord announced her resignation on Thursday. On the same day, Stuart Condie resigned after four years as the county councillor for Burgess Hill North. By-elections are expected to take place on 5th June.
Since first being elected in 2017, Kirsty has delivered key infrastructure and community improvements across Hassocks and Burgess Hill South. Notable achievements include securing a new college building for Woodlands Meed—now open to students—introducing road safety upgrades, and overseeing vital drainage enhancements in both Hassocks and Burgess Hill.
Kirsty has also been a prominent voice in holding the Conservative-led County Council to account, particularly in the wake of the 2019 “Inadequate” Ofsted report into children’s services.
Stuart has campaigned for improved cycling facilities and road improvements, delivering resurfacing including Fairplace Hill and securing a fix for the longstanding drainage problems on Jane Murray Way and Victoria Industrial Estate which is due to be implemented this financial year. He has worked hard to hold the Conservatives to account for their failings at West Sussex County Council, including the recent spiralling costs of a new IT system, and has been vocal in calling for pension funds to be divested from fossil fuels.
Both councillors cited the unexpected cancellation of elections as their reason for stepping down. Kirsty Lord said:
“Following a recent change in job, I planned to step down at the 2025 County Council elections but the outrageous cancellation of those elections as part of an agreement between the Labour Government and the Conservative-run West Sussex County Council forced a difficult decision. I could not continue knowing I may not be able to provide residents with the commitment they deserve. Calling a by-election is the only responsible choice.
It has been a privilege to serve this wonderful part of Sussex where I live with my family and where residents have been so supportive of me. I hope I’ve left Hassocks and Burgess Hill South a little better than when I was first elected.”
Stuart Condie said “I decided some months ago to step down from the County Council at the elections due on 1st May. However the Labour national government agreed to the request to cancel the elections by the Conservative administration of West Sussex County Council, denying residents the opportunity to choose their county councillors for at least the next two years and causing a significant democratic deficit. I have been left with no choice but to trigger a by-election.
It has been a pleasure and an honour to serve the residents of Burgess Hill North to the best of my ability for the last four years.”
The Liberal Democrats have announced Erika Woodhurst-Trueman as their candidate in Hassocks and Burgess Hill South and Jane Davey as their candidate in Burgess Hill North.
Kirsty Lord said “Erika has worked on community initiatives for years, including being the current organiser of the annual Light Up Hassocks event. She is organised, diligent and committed, and if elected I know she will be a fantastic representative for residents of Hassocks and Burgess Hill South and continue the Liberal Democrats’ strong record of local delivery.”
Stuart Condie said “I am very pleased that Jane Davey will be standing as the Lib Dem candidate to replace me. She is well rooted in the community and has shown her abilities chairing the governing boards at The Burgess Hill Academy and London Meed schools during difficult times. If elected, she will be an outstanding councillor for the residents of Burgess Hill North on West Sussex County Council.”