East and West Sussex both returned councils with no overall majority, but the headlines were the surge for Reform UK and the strong showing from the Liberal Democrats, both coming largely at the Conservatives’ expense.
In East Sussex County Council, Reform UK emerged as the largest party, with 22 of the 50 divisions, followed by the Liberal Democrats with 13 and the Green Party with 11. The Conservatives were reduced to just 3 seats, with one Independent, leaving the council under no overall control.
In West Sussex County Council, Reform UK and the Liberal Democrats tied for the largest party, each with 23 seats. The Conservatives fell to 11, while the Greens won 7, Labour 5 and the Local Alliance 1. Again, no single party secured a majority, and talks are underway over administration.
Overall, the results show a major shift away from the Conservatives, with Reform and the Liberal Democrats capitalising most strongly in both counties.
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