Stand to be a Liberal Democrat Councillor
Help Shape the Future of Chichester District
In May 2027 there will be elections for Chichester District Council, Chichester City Council and Selsey Town Council.
Since 2023, the Liberal Democrats have led Chichester District Council with a commanding and successful plan that has improved local services, rejuvenated our local parks, playgrounds and open spaces, as well as invested in developing our local economy and businesses and supported new ideas and opportunities to help our district thrive.
The Liberal Democrats have also led Chichester City Council introducing a comprehensive work plan including delivering a new Citizens Advice worker, supporting the community with a comprehensive grant scheme and rejuvenating areas of the City through new planting and increased bio-diversity.
Across our District we have a strong platform and a hard won record of action of delivering for local communities - we can be proud of what we have achieved and will use this to form the base of a positive campaign for our 2027 elections to grow our number of councillors across the District.
Could you be a Councillor?
We're looking for people from all walks of life who care about their community and want to make a difference.
You don't need previous political experience. What matters most is that you're willing to listen, work hard, and stand up for people in your local community.
Whether you've been considering standing for years or have only recently started thinking about it, we'd love to hear from you.
Submitting an application now doesn't commit you to standing. It simply allows us to begin planning, provide training and support, and ensure you're considered for the area that's right for you if you decide to stand here.
Click here to register your interest.
Why Stand?
Being a councillor is one of the most rewarding ways you can serve your community.
As a Liberal Democrat councillor you'll have the opportunity to:
- Help residents solve problems and access the support they need,
- Shape decisions affecting your local area,
- Campaign for improvements to local services,
- Work alongside local councillors, campaigners and Jess Brown-Fuller MP to deliver real change,
- Give your community a strong local voice
Hear Why Rhys Chose To Stand
"I first stood because I wanted to create opportunities for young people and families in our area, support the arts community and ensure that Chichester felt like a place for everyone. What I didn’t realise at the time was just how much of a difference I could make.
My proudest moment was helping to secure The Nest, delivering new opportunities and affordable access for local arts and community groups, as well as bringing more live music, comedy and other cultural opportunities to Chichester. The difference that The Nest has made to our evening and nighttime economy, and how it has helped grow local events like the Chichester Fringe and Festival, is something that I’m really proud of.
I’ve also really valued working alongside Jess Brown-Fuller MP. By working together, we’ve been able to achieve far more for local communities than either of us could alone, and it’s really rewarding to bring national and local campaigning together.
Most importantly, being a Liberal Democrat councillor is about advocating for your community. The role isn’t about telling people what they should want; it’s about hearing what’s important to local communities and making sure those voices shape the decisions we take.
If you care about your area and want to make a real difference, I’d encourage you to consider putting yourself forward.”
Rhys Chant
Chichester City & District Councillor
Hear Why Louise Chose To Stand
"I first decided to stand as a councillor about a year in to moving onto a new build estate. I didn’t like the becoming frustrated with issues I was seeing and feeling like I didn’t have a voice to affect change. I didn’t want to moan and not act. That was then compounded by the stories I heard on doorsteps where people told me they were scared of going into central Chichester for fear of falls and injury because of the poor surface which has been a problem for so long.
I was an NHS member of staff and strongly motivated by being able to contribute to the wellbeing of my community. I was also acutely aware of the impact of preventable injury on our groaning health and care services. I became determined to get elected in order to make a positive difference for my community.
After being elected, I used my knowledge of how the health service works and equality legislation to gather the data and arguments needed to make the case that WSCC could no longer ignore the need to address the road surfaces in Chichester. After at least 18 years of inaction, talking about the issue, commissioning studies but not actually rectifying the issue, something changed after I presented my paper at Chichester City Council (CCC). I’m proud to say that, with the support of funding from CCC, the work required to improve the public realm will now be undertaken in 2027.
I’m taking this same meticulous, evidence-based approach to campaign for a safe crossing on St Paul’s Road in partnership with local campaign groups. It’s really rewarding working with members of the community and showing the difference that local councils can make. It’s doubly rewarding when something you’ve worked on leads to meaningful change!!
Finally, I’m also making use of my 20 years of studying and working in People Management functions to help Chichester City Council to become a model employer, supported by its first People Strategy. I’m a firm believer that good work and healthy workplaces can make a positive contribution to people’s wellbeing. And the evidence is there to back it up!"
Louise Pramas
Chichester City Councillor