#4: "Devolution Is A No-Brainer... And This Is Not A Brighton Takeover"

The Sussex And The City Podcast

– Episode 4:

Devolution Is A No-Brainer... And This Is Not A Brighton Takeover

 

Host: Richard Freeman
Guest: Cllr Bella Sankey – Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council

This episode is brought to you in partnership with: Strategy + Impact - The Sussex-based consultancy helping leaders in government, business and charity shape change with communication strategies that drive real results.

 

🔍 Episode summary

Richard Freeman speaks with Councillor Bella Sankey, Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, about the city’s central role in kickstarting the Sussex devolution process - and why she believes this is a no-brainer for the region.

Bella shares her case for why more power and funding should flow out of Westminster and into Sussex, and why collaboration across East Sussex, West Sussex and Brighton is not just possible - but essential.

She addresses the scepticism, acknowledges fears, and lays out her vision for a more inclusive, connected, and empowered future for communities across the region.

This is Bella speaking as a political leader and strategist - but also as someone who knows that trust, transport, and teamwork are going to make or break devolution in Sussex.

Topics include:

• Why devolution is essential to boost investment, skills, and public transport
• Whether Sussex can replicate Greater Manchester’s success — and what’s different
• What Brighton brings to the table — and why this isn’t a “takeover”
• The political balancing act of setting up a mayoral Combined Authority
• Risks and opportunities for party politics and public trust
• What a new mayor should prioritise first
• How energy independence and coastal economies could power future growth
• The role of the Greater Brighton Economic Board and lessons from existing collaborations

This is a must-hear episode for:

• Local government professionals and councillors in Sussex

• Voters and residents curious about what devolution really means

• Businesses and organisations wondering what a Sussex mayor might change

• Advocates for regional democracy, inclusive growth, and climate leadership

• Anyone who wants to make sure this once-in-a-generation shift actually works

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📚 Key references and further reading

• Devolution: A Plan for a More Local, More Accountable Government (White Paper)

• Brighton & Hove City Council – News and Leadership

• Greater Brighton Economic Board

• Sussex Energy Strategy – Launch and vision (2023)

• Sussex And The City project hub
  Explore resources, blogs and events connected to this podcast and the wider public engagement programme.
  sussexandthecity.info

• Sussex And The City LinkedIn page

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🎧 Production credits

• Host: Richard Freeman

• Guest: Cllr Bella Sankey

• Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey

• Production management: Letitia Mc Conalogue

• Recorded at: Projects: The Lanes, Brighton

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📣 Get involved

Want to contribute your voice to the debate on devolution in Sussex?
Visit sussexandthecity.info to find out more, sign up for future events, and access resources.