REFORM UK has secured all three East Sussex County Council seats covering Hailsham following Thursday’s local elections, as voters across the area delivered a decisive result at the ballot box.
Residents went to the polls on Thursday (May 7) to choose who would represent them at County Hall, with divisions covering Hailsham New Town, Hailsham Market, and Arlington, East Hoathly & Hellingly all falling to Reform candidates.
In Hailsham New Town, Reform UK’s Paul Soane was elected with 1,192 votes, ahead of Liberal Democrat Gavin Blake-Coggins, who secured 800 votes, and independent Barry Carpenter on 768. Conservative Trevor Botting received 500 votes, while Green Party candidate Simon Wells polled 248. Turnout in the division was 40 per cent, with 3,519 votes cast.
In Hailsham Market, Reform’s Neil Cleaver claimed victory with a commanding 1,455 votes, ahead of Liberal Democrat Steve Murphy on 1,099 votes. Conservative candidate Jordan Beech received 456 votes, while Green Party candidate Ali Stevens polled 356. Turnout was 38 per cent, with 3,380 votes cast.
In the larger Arlington, East Hoathly & Hellingly division, Reform UK’s William Boone was elected with 1,784 votes, ahead of Conservative Nick Bennett on 1,176. Green Party candidate Ricardo Canha received 835 votes, Liberal Democrat Laura Murphy secured 789, and Labour’s Brendan Clegg polled 133 votes. Turnout in the division was the highest across the Hailsham area at 46 per cent, with 10,223 votes cast.
Across the county, the results mean no single party holds a majority of the 50 divisions in East Sussex.
The overall results are:
- Reform UK – 22 members
- Liberal Democrats – 13 members
- Green Party – 11 members
- Conservative – 3 members
- Independent – 1 member
