MP hopefuls living outside their patch explain why you should vote for them

Some 29 candidates are standing for election in seats they do not live in, so why should people trust them on some of the most pressing local issues?

From housing to healthcare and sewage to safety, it can be hard to know whether your MP will stand up for your area if they are not from there.

The Argus contacted each candidate and gave them three days to respond to our questions - and made an interactive map so you can find which candidates are coming in from outside.

Find your constituency below:

Each constituency is listed in alphabetical order and candidates are listed in order of their surname.

Arundel and South Downs

Christopher Philipsborn, Labour

Christopher lives in Brighton and standing in a seat more than 20 miles away from home.

Why the Arundel and South Downs constituency?

I’ve lived in Sussex for over 15 years, two of my three children were born here.

Why should people trust you on local issues if you do not live there?

I’m very familiar with Arundel and South Downs, my children grew up in its countryside, I’ve walked most of the South Downs Way, I have friends and colleagues living all over the constituency.

I live in Brighton, which isn’t exactly far away and my three boys were brought up in a village for eight years, so I’m no stranger to rural life.

Would you move to the constituency if you are elected?

I can guarantee I would live in the constituency. Who wouldn’t? It’s one of the most beautiful places on the planet and it would be a privilege to live in the community I hope to represent in Westminster.

Chris is standing for Labour (Image: Chris Philipsborn)

David Thomas, Reform

David lives in Chichester, a neighbouring constituency.

He did not respond to our questions.

Bexhill and Battle

Ian Gribbin, Reform

Ian lives in the Hastings and Rye constituency, east of Bexhill.

He did not respond to our questions.

Becky Jones, Liberal Democrats

Becky lives in the Faversham and Mid Kent constituency, 40 miles from the seat she is running for.

Why the Bexhill and Battle constituency?

I've lived in rural and coastal areas and believe I have the knowledge and experience to help such a diverse area. This was the only place I applied for because I believe I could be a positive change.

Why should people trust you on local issues if you do not live there?

I don't believe it's where you're from that matters, I believe it's what you can do. I would be there for local people, giving them a voice.

Would you move to the constituency if you are elected?

Yes.

Bognor Regis and Littlehampton

Alison Griffiths, Conservative

Alison lives in neighbouring Chichester.

She did not respond to our questions.

David Kurten, Heritage Party

David lives in the Reading West and Mid Berkshire constituency, more than 50 miles from Bognor.

He did not respond to our questions.

Clare is standing in Bognor (Image: Labour)

Clare Walsh, Labour

Clare lives in neighbouring Chichester.

Why the Bognor Regis and Littlehampton constituency?

I moved to this area when I became a special guardian to my two children placed with me by social services.

I knew they needed to be raised surrounded by a community that would encourage them to thrive.

We love this amazing area, and our community that steps into the gaps of need through our brilliant local charities: My Sister’s House, Grandads Front Room, Turning Tides and Stonepillow.

Why should people trust you on local issues if you do not live there?

I’m a researcher by profession and I’ve been working with policymakers, councillors, MPs and prospective MPs across the South Coast and in Westminster to bring about change.

I have advised the All Party Parliamentary Group on Kinship Care, the Transparency Implementation Group changing the family courts and written economic policy pieces addressing the nonsense narrative of this government on debt and spending.

I’ve always campaigned and worked for social justice, from giving free legal advice at Toynbee Hall when I lived in East London, working for the new Hillsborough inquests, to supporting local refugee families with the charity Sanctuary.

Collaboration is at the heart of my approach. I intend to work closely with local organisations, charities, and community groups to ensure that people across our communities receive the help they need and regain hope.

By fostering strong partnerships and listening to the needs of our residents, we can create a support network that is responsive and effective. Together, we can make a real difference in improving the lives of those who need it most.

Would you move to the constituency if you are elected?

I currently live near the constituency, which allows me to campaign here every day. I have discussed with my team the intention to move into the constituency, win or lose, to ensure I am fully integrated into the community I aim to serve.

Additionally, I plan to establish a constituency office in an accessible location to be available and responsive to all constituents. I am committed to being present and active in Bognor Regis and Littlehampton and you can see from my social media that that is exactly what I have been doing since September last year.

So the short answer is, yes I do want to move here if I am elected or not, as it is an amazing place to live.

Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven

Valerie Gray, Social Democratic Party

Valerie lives in Mid Sussex, which is around ten miles from the constituency.

Why the Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven constituency?

Whilst I live in Mid Sussex my mother lived in Brighton and I, too, would have when I returned to the UK from abroad in 2013 but for the price of housing.

The SDP is still a small but growing party and therefore cannot ensure candidates are available to stand in every constituency, I therefore had a choice.

I chose to contest Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven because I felt it was a constituency that would respond to the SDP's moderate, left of centre views which promote the provision of quality public services, but which recognises the importance of a vibrant private sector to provide the wealth to afford them.

Why should people trust you on local issues if you do not live there?

I live only 30 minutes away from the constituency and am in Brighton regularly each week to do voluntary work in Kemp Town and for social and other reasons.

I therefore have ample opportunity to listen to and talk to local people about the issues that affect them.

Would you move to the constituency if you are elected?

I guarantee that I would move to the constituency should I get elected.  I agree that the sitting MP should live in their constituency and would want to be at hand to play a full part in the life of the community. In that way I would get to know my constituents better and vice versa.

Valerie Gray is standing for the Social Democratic Party (Image: SDP)

Khobi Vallis, Conservative

Khobi lives in the Dorking and Horley constituency in Surrey, more than 30 miles away.

She did not respond to our questions.

Chris Ward, Labour

Chris lives in Lewisham, London, and was brought in after original candidate Lloyd Russell-Moyle was suspended from the party.

Why the Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven constituency?

I grew up in Brighton and my parents grew up in Peacehaven. I’m an Albion season ticket holder and many of my friends and family still live here.

I’ve worked and campaigned for the Labour Party since I was 18. So when the opportunity came to stand as a candidate for the party I love and in the city and community I love, of course I said yes.

Why should people trust you on local issues if you do not live there?

I grew up here and my parents grew up here. I’m hugely optimistic about the potential of our community, but I understand the challenges people face, including a lack of affordable and social housing, rising NHS waiting lists, a broken care system and the lack of GP appointments, sewage spoiling our seas and pockets of real poverty and deprivation within a city that’s often assumed to be uniformly wealthy.

I know that a Labour MP, working with a Labour government and a Labour council can start to fix that and make a real difference to people’s lives.

Would you move to the constituency if you are elected?

Yes, I will find a place here with my family as soon as possible.

Brighton Pavilion

Mark Francis Mulvihill, Reform

Mark lives in the Herne Bay and Sandwich constituency, in Kent, around 70 miles from Brighton.

He did not respond to our questions.

Sarah Webster, Conservative

Sarah lives in nearby Lewes, a ten-minute drive on the A27.

Why the Brighton Pavilion constituency?

Brighton was my first adult home after university. I first kissed my husband in the Zap club.

We moved here together from university to Brunswick Square. My first job was in West Street and I literally would paddle to work as coming from land-locked Staffordshire I could not believe that I got to see the sea every day.

I had my two sons in the Royal Sussex County Hospital, they both attended Bhasvic and my daughter has been extremely well looked after by the Royal Alex. Even though we have lived abroad in many countries I still see Brighton as home.

Brighton is the most diverse and inclusive city I have ever been fortunate to live, and I am extremely honoured to be asked to stand as a representative for the people here.

The city has changed a lot since 1995 when I first lived here. I do not feel the people of Brighton have been well served by the current Green/Labour local council. The constituency deserves a strong bold plan to get it back on track.

Why should people trust you on local issues if you do not live there?

I live about 15 miles from the centre of Brighton and it takes me half an hour.

I hear what is happening locally and I can see it for myself every time I am down for shopping, running, swimming or visiting the hospital.

The rubbish and the weeds need to be taken in hand and the tide of speculative inappropriate building on green sites byLabour needs to be stopped.

The Royal Mail depot proposed by labour is not only inappropriate but also risks the safety of Brighton's drinking water. I would stand against this proposal and labour councillors who are clearly not listening.

Would you move to the constituency if you are elected?

As I live so close I would not feel the need to take up a home when so many others are looking for homes in the city.

Chichester

Tom Collinge, Labour

Tom lives in Dulwich, south London, a two-hour drive from Chichester.

He did not respond to our questions.

Crawley

Lee Gibbs, Liberal Democrats

Lee lives in the neighbouring East Grinstead and Uckfield constituency.

He did not respond to our questions.

How each party responded to our questions:

East Grinstead and Uckfield

Mims Davies, Conservative

Mims lives in the neighbouring Mid Sussex constituency to the west.

She did not respond to our questions.

Benedict Dempsey, Liberal Democrats

Benedict lives in the neighbouring Lewes constituency to the south.

He did not respond to our questions.

East Worthing and Shoreham

Lionel Harman, Reform

Lionel lives in Salvington, one ward away from the East Worthing and Shoreham border.

Why the East Worthing and Shoreham constituency?

I have many family members that live in the constituency and am currently working for St Barnabas and Chestnut Tree Hospices as a relief manager and I am based in their RDC (retail distribution centre) which is in Broadwater, the area I cover is the whole of Sussex from Eastbourne to Havant in Hampshire so my commitment to not only East Worthing and Shoreham but to the whole county should not be doubted.

Why should people trust you on local issues if you do not live there?​

The people of Worthing and Shoreham know I will represent them as my record speaks for itself having been the mayor of Worthing for two years leading the borough through Covid and out the other side, several years as the Armed Forces champion for the borough, my continuing work for the Armed Forces and veteran groups in the area as well as continuing support for heritage and historical groups in the area.

I would suggest none of the other candidates in this election have done more for the constituency, or will continue working as hard for the people if they are not elected, as I will.

Would you move to the constituency if you are elected?​

I am considering relocating to East Worthing and Shoreham as my current lease is due for renewal in September.

Eastbourne

Mark Ashdown, Reform

Mark lives in the Bexhill and Battle constituency, less than ten miles away.

He did not respond to all three of our questions, but he said:

It's nothing to do with where one lives, it's a job of work. The people of Eastbourne tell me that the town is now run down and tired and that they want new ideas.

No one would appoint a director of company with 100,000 plus employees just because that person lived there. The job should go to the best person - not because they live there.

In fact voting for the same old same old established parties will lead to more of the same. Repeating the same thing and expecting a different result is a sign of madness - Albert Einstein.

As time proceeds the existing MPs get bogged down with the promises they have made to more and more people of often opposing views. After a while it would be hard the see the wood for the trees. I have no baggage.

Eastbourne needs a fresh pair of eyes, a new broom to sweep clean and a little bit of new blood.

Eastbourne is our nearest big town with the hospital facilities that my partner is being treated in and has been for a long time.

I find my self spending an increasing amount of time in Eastbourne. I really like the town. Don't ask me why because I haven't been able to put my finger on it yet. I Just do.

Hastings and Rye

Paul Crosland, Independent

Paul lives in Ceredigion on the west coast of Wales - more than six hours away in the car.

He did not respond to our questions.

Horsham

James Field, Labour

James lives in Chichester, 25 miles from the constituency.

He did not respond to our questions.

Hove and Portslade

Carline Deal, Conservative

Carline lives in Bromley, London, an hour and a half drive away from the constituency.

Why the Hove and Portslade constituency?

I've been coming to Hove and Portslade for years. I value the community and environment and want to help preserve it, I understand the nature of the issues and want to be part of the solutions.

The role of an MP is to be your representative in Westminster as well as act as a voice for causes and concerns when local representation can't meet those needs. I've put myself forward for those exact reasons.

Why should people trust you on local issues if you do not live there?

Outside of politics, I've had a relationship with Brighton and Hove spanning over 20 plus years. I know how much better Hove and Portslade could be having lived and worked in many other places.

I would bring a fresh perspective.  The city offers so much,  (a good pace of life, stunning environment) and is where I regularly spend time with family and friends.

I know of the local concerns that stem from long-standing problems - how unpopular it would be to move the King Alfred Leisure Centre and build in Benfield Valley - and champion those that are working together to fix them, from poor access to primary care, to inadequate housing, and more.

Would you move to the constituency if you are elected?

Yes, I would.

What matters most to candidates?

The word cloud below shows the most used words in candidate's responses.

Lewes

Bernard Brown, Reform

Bernard lives in Battle, near Bexhill, 20 miles away.

He did not respond to our questions.

Maria Caulfield, Conservative

Maria lives in Woodingdean, Brighton, a 40 minute drive from the county town.

She did not respond to our questions.

Mid Sussex

Gary Johnson, Reform

Gary lives in the neighbouring East Grinstead and Uckfield Constituency. This is a new constituency and he would have previously lived in Mid Sussex.

Why the Mid Sussex constituency?

I live on the border of Mid Sussex. Uckfield and East Grinstead originally had a candidate and Mid Sussex did not.

Why should people trust you on local issues if you do not live there?

I have been a special constable and spent a lot of my time in Haywards Heath so probably know it well enough to represent it.

My daughter was born in Haywards Heath hospital.

Would you move to the constituency if you are elected?

I have been deliberately honest on this subject. I have not rented a property temporarily. I am sure that doesn't happen.

I won't need to relocate if elected as live ten minutes from the border and 15 minutes from Haywards Heath.

Sussex Weald

David Morgan, Reform

David lives in Tunbridge Wells, around ten miles from the constituency.

He did not respond to our questions.

Danielle Newson, Liberal Democrats

Danielle lives in the Godalming and Ash constituency, in south west Surrey, around 45 miles away.

Why the Sussex Weald constituency?

The original PPC for the Lib Dems resigned in February so they were left without a candidate.

As I had been approved as a potential candidate, but had not been allocated a constituency closer to my home, they asked me if I would be interested in the Sussex Weald constituency.

I had a meeting within a few days of being asked, with the Lib Dem activists and councillors in the constituency, and was delighted to become their new PPC.

I am an elected councillor for Guildford Borough Council, as well as being the deputy Armed Forces champion and I am also on the Surrey Police and Crime Panel. So I have experience of elected public service and for representing a constituency with a similar profile.

It is also a mix of rural areas and large villages with the same issues around lack of infrastructure, the need for better transport links and support for small businesses.

I am happy to fight what was historically a safe Tory Seat (for 114 years), particularly at a time when there is no such thing as a safe Tory seat now.

Why should people trust you on local issues if you do not live there?

People trust me because I have made it my business to get to meet as many of my potential constituents before I am elected and they can see that I am genuine, conscientious and hard working.

Since February with volunteers across the constituency I have canvassed 8,000 homes across towns and villages, some of which have never been canvassed before, and by the election it is likely to be 10,000.

It has been wonderful to meet so many local people and hear their concerns so that I can fully represent them and serve them if elected. I will also have attended two hustings, one in Crowborough on 24 June and the other in Hellingly for Hailsham on 2 July.

I also attended a hustings type meeting at Heathfield Community College with their sixth form on 17 June.

I have worked tirelessly since being appointed the Parliamentary candidate for the Liberal Democrats in Sussex Weald and have also, as a public servant, had to resign my job working as a lawyer for the NHS.

Would you move to the constituency if you are elected?

Once I was approved as a potential PPC last August I put my house on the market.  Sadly, it has not yet sold and I believe that is due to the high interest rates on mortgages.

I will move somewhere in the Sussex Weald constituency if I am elected and, if necessary, will rent a property and rent out my house to do so.

Worthing West

Morag Chugg, Liberal Democrats

Morag lives in Lewes, almost 20 miles from Worthing.

Why the Worthing West constituency?

Although  I currently live just outside of the area, I have a long association with Worthing West due to family connections and have spent over 20 years in and around the town and surrounding villages. It's a place I love and I consider myself very lucky to have been selected as a parliamentary candidate for this seat.

Why should people trust you on local issues if you do not live there?

I am moving to the constituency in the next couple of months. However, I am already very familiar with the local issues here and have met a number of local groups, attended police community meetings, and spoken to many residents about local issues.

I also worked at Worthing Magistrates Court for a number of years, where I eventually became the senior custody officer. This has given me a unique insight into the problems faced by both local police and residents, in relation to matters of crime and community policing in Worthing West.

Would you move to the constituency if you are elected?

I am already moving to the constituency in September. This move has been planned for some time, however, I had to wait for my youngest child to finish her GCSEs before completing it.

I had hoped to be completely settled before an autumn election was called, however, it was called earlier than anticipated.

Edmund is standing for Reform (Image: Eddy Rooke)

Edmund Rooke, Reform

Edmund lives in the neighbouring East Worthing and Shoreham constituency.

Why the Worthing West constituency?

My own constituency was my first choice to stand for, the other half of Worthing was my second choice. The party allocated me Worthing West.

Why should people trust you on local issues if you do not live there?

My places of employment for the last 40 years have all been in the constituency I am standing for, as was the church I attended for 26 years.

I do all my shopping in the constituency I am standing for also.

Also my address is only about 100 yards from the boundary of Worthing West. So I feel I am perfectly qualified to represent Worthing West.

Would you move to the constituency if you are elected?

I do not think I need to move 100 yards to do this properly.