The 2019 Lewes District Council election was held on 2 May 2019 to elect members of Lewes District Council in England. It took place on the same day as other district council elections in the United Kingdom.
Before the 2019 election, the Council was composed of 20 Conservatives, nine Liberal Democrats, three Greens and nine Independents. To take control of the council, 21 councillors out of 41 would be needed. Although the council remained under no overall control, the Conservatives remained the largest party with 19 councillors. The Green Party won the popular vote.
Council composition After the previous election the composition of the council was: + ↓ 24 11 3 2 1
Prior to the election the composition of the council was: + ↓ 20 9 9 3
After the election the composition of the council was: + ↓ 19 9 8 3 2
Following the elections, a coalition between the Greens, Lib Dems, Labour and two Independent councillors took charge, ending eight years of Conservative administration. Zoe Nicholson, leader of the Greens, became the leader of the council, while James MacCleary, leader of the Lib Dems, became the deputy leader. They alternated holding the roles of leader and deputy leader each year until the following election in 2023.
Summary
Election result
Ward results Sitting councillors are marked with an asterisk (*).
Chailey, Barcombe & Hamsey
Ditchling & Westmeston
East Saltdean & Telscombe Cliffs
Kingston
Lewes Bridge
Lewes Castle
Lewes Priory
Newhaven North
Newhaven South
Newick
Ouse Valley & Ringmer
Peacehaven East
Peacehaven North
Peacehaven West
Plumpton, Streat, East Chiltington & St John (Without)
Seaford Central
Seaford East
Seaford North
Seaford South
Seaford West
Wivelsfield
Changes 2019–2023 In March 2020, Sean Macleod resigned from the Green Party, joining the Liberal Democrats in June 2020.
By-elections
Seaford East
The by-election was triggered by the resignation of Conservative councillor Phil Boorman, who stood down from all his council seats citing an escalating level of harassment directed at him and his family.
Seaford West
The by-election was triggered by the sudden death of Conservative councillor Ian White, who had also served as leader of Seaford Town Council.
Peacehaven West
The by-election was triggered by the resignation of Conservative councillor Joe Miller, who stood down with immediate effect citing personal reasons, including his upcoming marriage and a move away from the area.
References