Martin Webb, Leading Independent Voice for Sussex Mayor, Talks with Crawley Residents.

Independent Sussex mayoral candidate Martin Webb has continued his county-wide listening tour with a visit to Crawley, where he met residents and business owners to understand what matters most to the town. Webb, a successful businessman, philanthropist, and former volunteer sergeant with Sussex Police, is carving out a reputation as the hands-on, non-party candidate for the 2026 Sussex Mayoral election.

For Webb, the trip to Crawley was revealing. “The town centre feels caught between two worlds,” he said. “Many big-name brands have moved on, but in their place, independent shops and businesses are emerging, often run by Crawley’s vibrant new international community.”

Some long-standing residents Webb spoke to expressed sadness at the decline of once-familiar high street names. But Webb sees potential. “Personally, I see an opportunity — with the right support, this could reinvigorate the town centre and give it a unique new identity.”

That optimism is tempered by clear challenges. Local entrepreneurs told Webb that restaurants and retailers are struggling with high rents and low footfall, and that many worry about the long-term sustainability of the town centre. Safety was another concern. “Several residents said they don’t feel safe walking through the town at night,” Webb reported. “And young people say there’s not enough for them to do, which can lead to boredom and anti-social behaviour.”

Webb added that Crawley’s concerns echo what he’s hearing across Sussex. “In every town, people tell me the same thing: we need more visible policing. Shoplifting, anti-social behaviour, and crime are harming confidence. Businesses need stability and customers need to feel safe if our high streets are going to thrive.”

Webb’s approach stands out because of its directness — he is spending time in each major Sussex community, not just campaigning from a distance. Over the past months he has walked through city centres, stopped to talk with security teams, and listened to concerns about housing, traffic, and the environment.

It’s a method grounded in his own background. A long-time Sussex resident, Webb has spent years supporting local initiatives, volunteering as a sergeant in Sussex Police, and helping community groups through philanthropy. He argues that Sussex needs a mayor who is “proactive, independent, and not tied to party politics.”

As the 2026 election draws nearer, Webb’s listening tour is shaping his campaign while giving towns like Crawley a direct line to a potential future mayor. “If we want real change,” Webb said, “it has to start with understanding the people who live and work here.”

“To understand how a new Mayor of Sussex could make a difference, I’ve begun a tour of the county.”

“Today, I was in Crawley, and it was an eye-opener. The town centre feels caught between two worlds: many big-name brands have moved on, but in their place, independent shops and businesses are emerging, often run by Crawley’s vibrant new international community.”

“Some older residents I spoke to saw this as a decline. Personally, I see an opportunity — with the right support, this could reinvigorate the town centre and give it a unique new identity.”

“But the challenges are real. Local people told me restaurants are struggling with high rents and low footfall. Others said they don’t feel safe walking in the town at night, and that there’s not enough for young people to do.”

“Across Sussex, I’m hearing the same message: we need more visible policing to tackle shoplifting, anti-social behaviour, and crime, so that residents and businesses alike can thrive.”

Why Your Vote Matters.

The creation of the Sussex Mayoral post gives residents a rare chance to shape the county’s future. Whoever holds the role will have influence over investment, transport planning, housing priorities, community safety and the long-term direction of our towns and rural areas. That’s why it is vital every voter takes time to understand the candidates and what they stand for. Electing the right person could mean safer streets, stronger local economies and thriving communities; getting it wrong could risk further decline and missed opportunities. As Webb’s listening tour shows, the decisions made by a Sussex Mayor will directly affect daily life — making it more important than ever for residents to get involved and vote thoughtfully.

Martin Webb in Crawley

As the 2026 election draws nearer, Webb’s hands-on campaign is giving towns like Crawley a direct voice. “If we want real change,” Webb said, “it has to start with understanding the people who live and work here.”