Elections are back on - what it means for Worthing

Local elections in Worthing and Adur will go ahead on Thursday 7 May 2026 after the government withdrew plans to postpone ballots in areas involved in local government reorganisation.

Ministers had previously indicated elections could be delayed, but a fresh decision confirmed the polls should proceed, with central government also announcing additional funding for affected areas. Adur and Worthing Councils said they had continued planning on the basis the elections would take place and remain on track for May.

For residents, the reinstated elections mean voters will still choose councillors who make decisions on district and borough services while wider reforms are developed, including proposals to replace the current two-tier structure with new unitary councils.

West Sussex County Council said the change of direction from government created “significant uncertainty” for the timetable and planning linked to devolution and reorganisation, and said it would assess the impact on the programme. The county council is also involved in work towards a Sussex and Brighton mayoral combined authority, with a mayoral election expected in 2028.

In Worthing, the decision reopens an electoral contest that could affect the balance of power at the borough council ahead of any longer-term structural changes. Worthing Borough Council is currently Labour-run, with the council’s published political make-up showing Labour as the largest group (21 seats), followed by Conservatives (9), Worthing Community Independents (3), Greens (2) and Reform UK (2).

With local government reorganisation still under discussion, parties are also expected to face questions during the campaign about how any future unitary arrangements could change representation and decision-making for Worthing residents.