The Mid Sussex Conservatives recently reached out to Alison Bennett to congratulate the new Mid Sussex MP on her election victory. The Liberal Democrat’s win was a significant achievement, considering that the electoral ward has historically been conservative for most of its history since it was first established in 1974. The Conservative Party extends its best wishes to Alison as her political career enters a new chapter.
In our congratulatory letter, however, Mid Sussex Conservatives group leader Gary Marsh raised some crucial concerns about the impact of the new role on Alison’s existing duties as a Mid Sussex District Councillor for Hurst and the Deputy Leader of the District Council. It is vital that the MP for Mid Sussex does not allow her duties at the district level to be compromised by her new position at Westminster.
We seek to stress how vital it is that the interests and concerns of Mid Sussex residents are represented effectively and sufficiently on both a local and national level. Mid Sussex Conservatives look forward to Alison’s reply and her ongoing devotion to her community.
In his letter to Alison, Councillor Marsh emphasised the “significant demands” that the role of MP entails. Gary spoke from his own personal experience as former deputy leader of the District Council, and pointed out that the nature of the minority government since the 2023 local election requires a greater degree of cooperation with other parties on the council.
Councillor Marsh concluded in his letter that it is not possible to fulfil the roles of ward representative for Hurst, deputy leader of Mid Sussex District Council and MP for Mid Sussex alongside each other in a way that prioritises the concerns of residents and businesses. Gary noted that the leader of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council - Councillor Vikki Slade - resigned from her role on the 9th of July after being elected as the MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole.
Leader of the House of Commons Lucy Powell has announced the Labour administration’s plans to impose restrictions on second jobs held by MP’s that fail to prioritise the needs of their constituents. Exceptions will be made for those in certain job roles, such as nurses, doctors and those wishing to work in writing, speaking or media presentation roles. Powell stressed that concerns did not specifically relate to the previous Conservative administration, highlighting the need to clamp down on “bad behaviour” in parliament. Of particular concern to Powell was MPs taking paid advocacy roles linked to their MP duties.
The policy differs from Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s previous commitment in 2021 to prohibiting MPs from having second jobs outright. MPs backed the new policy aimed at ensuring the needs of each ward’s constituents are met. The Mid Sussex Conservatives group looks forward to Alison Bennett MP’s response on the matter.
