On behalf of all our Conservative candidates who last week stood for election for Crawley Borough Council and West Sussex County Council, we say a big thank you to everyone who voted Conservative and who gave us a decisive election victory in Crawley.

Last week, Crawley voted for change and for a Conservative-led Crawley Borough Council.  Of the 14 Borough Council seats up for election, we Conservatives won eight to Labour’s six, and the town-wide vote share was Conservative 49% to Labour’s 39% - a decisive winning margin.  The Council is now made up of 18 Conservative, 17 Labour and 1 Independent member.

These elections had been held over from last year due to the pandemic and added to this year’s West Sussex County Elections.  Here too, we beat Labour by several percentage points and Crawley now has five Conservative County Councillors to Labour’s four.  For only the second time ever, Crawley now has more Conservative Councillors on both our local authorities than Labour.  We are grateful for the mandate Crawley residents have given us and we are constructively exploring all options for a smooth transition of power, whether that be as a minority administration on our own, or in partnership with Labour or the Independent.  

The last year has been very challenging for Crawley, both with the pandemic and the economic consequences.  This was why when last July, Labour lost their majority after two of their members went independent, we Conservatives stepped in to support Labour’s minority administration with a partnership agreement - providing certainty and stability when elections could not be held.  While we were the largest party and have been since last July, it was the wrong time and there was no mandate from the people for us to take over.  Elections have now happened and the democratic mandate is there.

Crawley continues to have economic difficulties and there are still many people on furlough.  We need to continue supporting those in need and doing everything possible to support our local economy, as well as ensuring council finances are sound so we can continue providing good services.  

Councillor Duncan Crow, Leader of Crawley Borough Council Conservative Group

12th May 2021