A local councillor has switched political allegiance.
On April 18, Christina Bristow, the member for Seaford West on Lewes district council, announced her departure from the Liberal Democrats and her decision to join the Green Party.
Councillor Bristow, who also sits on Seaford Town Council, said she had determined that leaving the Liberal Democrats and moving to the Greens was the appropriate course, as it would enable her to campaign freely and concentrate on constituency matters.
She added that the Greens’ firm position on local and national policy had inspired her as someone who has consistently based choices on evidence and environmental considerations to become involved with the Lewes District Greens as an engine for substantive change.
She noted that with resolute action and strong leadership, the Greens are uniquely equipped to steer people through climate change pressures already affecting everyday life and making conditions increasingly difficult for numerous residents.
Councillor Bristow has represented Seaford West on the district council since May 2023. Her entry in the public register of interests, last updated in 2024, lists her occupation as a part-time project administrator with the Ouse Valley Climate Action Project.
When approached by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, a Liberal Democrat spokesperson said the party had backed Christina’s election under Liberal Democrat colours and regretted both the timing and manner of her decision.
The spokesperson stated that the party’s focus remained on serving Seaford residents, with particular attention to healthcare, road upkeep, local services, parks, and other significant issues.
The group of Liberal Democrat councillors would continue working diligently for the community, and Christina was wished well.
Following Councillor Bristow’s party transfer, the political balance on Lewes District Council now stands at: 18 Green Party members; 12 Liberal Democrats; eight Labour representatives; one independent; and two vacant seats.
An election to fill the two empty positions, both in Newhaven South, will take place on May 7. The two candidates receiving the most votes will take office, joining Liberal Democrat councillor Graham Amy as the sole current member from this three-member ward.
The candidates standing for Newhaven South, listed in alphabetical order, are: Catherine Boorman, Conservative; Scott Burrell, Green Party; James Harrison, Liberal Democrats; Joe Moughrabi, Labour; Bill Payne, Reform UK; Jo Pettitt, Liberal Democrats; Tai Ray-Jones, Green Party; Richard Turner, Conservative; and Archie Barry Edward Wilson, Reform UK.
Two county council seats in Seaford will also be contested on May 7 — Seaford North and Seaford South.
Those standing for the Seaford North seat are: Sam Adeniji, Reform UK; Liz Boorman, The Conservative Party Candidate; Ezra Cohen, Green Party; and Jane Reeves, Liberal Democrats.
The candidates vying for the Seaford South position are: Becky Francomb, Green Party; Carolyn Lambert, Liberal Democrats; Tam Large, The Conservative Party Candidate; Bill Payne, Reform UK; and Christopher Purser, Labour Party Candidate.