Horsham Lib Dems agree to new structure and set their sights on HDC control in May 2023
The current Chair of the joint party, Sarah Ullmann, and Leader of the Group on Horsham District Council, Cllr Martin Boffey, reported on the thinking behind this division, noting that the two localities had very different political demography, and by dividing the attention, more can be done to address the specific needs of each area.
Cllr Boffey reported on the success that the Lib Dem group on HDC had in influencing Council policy, especially about this year’s increased discount on Council Tax for the most disadvantaged and the need to promote the building of more social housing.
Sarah Ullman reported on a successful yet challenging last year as the Chair of the joint party. Despite winning the previous four HDC by-elections the Lib Dems had “not seen the Greens coming” in the Storrington by-election in the spring. That result had led to the reflections about splitting the local party, to enable a Horsham party, especially, to focus on unseating the Tory majority on HDC.
A show of hands agreed to the division, and Sarah Ullman agreed to take on the role of Chair for the new Horsham Liberal Democrats party for first year, which will officially start on January 1st. A meeting of the new Crawley party would be held before the end of the year. Party Secretary, Bob Wheatcroft, reviewed the finances of the party and explained how the accounts would be divided to enable both new local parties to take actions immediately in the New Year.
Sarah Ullmann reviewed the main work that was ahead, particularly the May 2023 HDC local elections. HDC Group Leader, Cllr Boffey, was clear that “being in opposition” was not about being in isolation but being in a good position to work collaboratively when necessary whilst always holding the Conservatives to account. But now there was a strong sense of the need for new people and new ideas at HDC. Cllr Boffey said:
“While we have been able to influence direction in our current position, imagine how much more we can achieve if we’re the ones setting the agenda.”
Sarah Ullman thanked the audience for their continued support, but also emphasised that continued recruitment of supporters and funds remains a top priority, alongside campaigning ‘on the doorsteps’.
The following were elected as Officers of the Horsham party for 2023:
- Honorary President – Morwen Millson
- Chair - Sarah Ullmann
- Vice-chair - Jay Mercer
- Treasurer - Sam Pedder
- Secretary - Bob Wheatcroft
- Membership Development Officer - Colette Blackburn
- Connect & Data Officer - Dave Fox
- Elections Officer - Jon Olson
Sarah Ullmann closed the formal part of the meeting with a reminder that the formal “Launch” of the new Horsham Liberal Democrats party, as well as announcement of the May 2023 campaign manifesto, will take place in the New Year. Please keep in touch, and make sure we have all your membership details to aid communication. Attendees then heard from Oliver Farley, The Horsham Society, speak on the history and development of Horsham town and the surrounding area.
The meeting closed thanking those who contributed to the night’s Horsham Foodbank toiletry collection, with a reminder to continue to donate and contribute to Horsham Matters, which is also collecting food, toys and donations on behalf of residents finding the “cost of living” difficult at the moment.