LD regained this seat from Con — last held it in 2017.
MP News Approval i
+48
Josh Babarinde
Liberal DemocratsJosh Babarinde is the Liberal Democrat MP for Eastbourne, and has been an MP continually since 4 July 2024.
MPs voted to pass the Tobacco and Vapes Bill at its final stage in the Commons. The Bill aims to create a 'smokefree generation' by gradually raising the legal age for buying tobacco so that those born after a certain date can never legally purchase it, representing the biggest public health intervention since the 2007 smoking ban.
MPs voted on whether to give the Tobacco and Vapes Bill its Second Reading, advancing legislation that would create a 'smoke-free generation' by progressively raising the legal age for buying tobacco so that anyone born after 2009 could never legally purchase cigarettes, while also cracking down on vaping among young people.
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Sign up freeCoverage of Eastbourne has been mixed for Josh across 40 recent articles.
Positive coverage
“Political opinion with Josh Babarinde MP” — Sussex Express
A safe LD seat, won with 52% of the vote in 2024. Covers Eastbourne and Crumbles. Population 101,694. Recorded crime is 51% above the national average.
Søstrene Grene: New Danish lifestyle store opening in Eastbourne tomorrow
Sussex Express · 9 Apr 2026
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Sign up freeMedian Income▼
£26,700
per year (HMRC 2022-23)
Mean Income▼
£32,400
per year (HMRC 2022-23)
Businesses▼
3,085
VAT/PAYE registered (ONS 2024)
Schools▼
33
18 primary, 4 secondary, 11 other
Total Income Tax▼
£211m
from 50,000 taxpayers
Median Tax▼
£2,560
per taxpayer / year
Mean Tax
£4,200
per taxpayer / year
Source: HMRC Survey of Personal Incomes, tax year 2022-23. Allocated by taxpayer residence. Covers income tax only — excludes NI, VAT, and capital gains. Sample-based estimate (~8% confidence interval).
Attainment 8▼
40.8
average score (DfE)
GCSE Pass Rate▼
57.2%
5+ GCSEs 9-4 (DfE)
1 city, 2 villages, rural areas — 101,692 total population
Source: ONS Built-Up Areas (Census 2021) + data.police.uk — crime rates are per 1,000 population (last 3 months)
Source: data.police.uk — street-level crime data aggregated from LSOA to constituency
27 councillors across 9 wards · Last elections: May 2023
| Ward | Party | Councillor | Elected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Devonshire | Liberal Democrats | Christina Jane Ewbank | May 2023 |
| Liberal Democrats | Margaret Elizabeth Bannister | May 2023 | |
| Liberal Democrats | Steve Holt | May 2023 | |
| Hampden Park | Liberal Democrats | Colin Richard Swansborough | May 2023 |
| Liberal Democrats | James Robert Murray | May 2023 | |
| Liberal Democrats | Teri Sayers-Cooper | May 2023 | |
| Langney | Liberal Democrats | Alan Shuttleworth | May 2023 |
| Liberal Democrats | Anita Mayes | May 2023 | |
| Liberal Democrats | Candy Vaughan | May 2023 | |
| Meads | Liberal Democrats | Andy Collins | May 2023 |
| Conservative and Unionist Party | Jane Lamb | May 2023 | |
| Conservative and Unionist Party | Robert Smart | May 2023 | |
| Old Town | Liberal Democrats | Ali Asgar Dehdashty | May 2023 |
| Liberal Democrats | Amanda Jennifer Morris | May 2023 | |
| Liberal Democrats | Peter Robert Diplock | May 2023 | |
| Ratton | Conservative and Unionist Party | Colin Belsey | May 2023 |
| Conservative and Unionist Party | David Small | May 2023 | |
| Conservative and Unionist Party | Nick Ansell | May 2023 | |
| Sovereign | Conservative and Unionist Party | Kshama Shore | May 2023 |
| Conservative and Unionist Party | Nigel Royston Goodyear | May 2023 | |
| Conservative and Unionist Party | Penny di Cara | May 2023 | |
| St Anthonys | Liberal Democrats | Daniel David Anstey Butcher | May 2023 |
| Liberal Democrats | Hugh Wayne Parker | May 2023 | |
| Liberal Democrats | Jenny Williams | May 2023 | |
| Upperton | Liberal Democrats | Kathy Ballard | May 2023 |
| Liberal Democrats | Pat Rodohan | May 2023 | |
| Liberal Democrats | Robin Hugh Maxted | May 2023 |
Source: DCLEAPIL v1.0 by Jason Leman, LEAP (Andrew Teale) & Democracy Club. CC BY-SA 4.0. Data last refreshed: 1 Apr 2026.
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| LD | 23,742 | 52.1% | |
Won 2019 GEWon 2015 GE | Con | 11,538 | 25.3% |
| Ref | 6,061 | 13.3% | |
| Lab | 2,689 | 5.9% | |
| Green | 1,421 | 3.1% | |
| Ind | 154 | 0.3% |
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
✓ Won 2015 GE | Con | 26,951 | 48.9% |
Won 2017 GEWon 2010 GE | LD | 22,620 | 41.0% |
| Lab | 3,848 | 7.0% | |
| Ind | 1,530 | 2.8% | |
| Ind | 185 | 0.3% |
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
✓ Won 2010 GE | LD | 26,924 | 46.9% |
Won 2019 GEWon 2015 GE | Con | 25,315 | 44.1% |
| Lab | 4,671 | 8.1% | |
| Green | 510 | 0.9% |
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
✓ Won 2019 GE | Con | 20,934 | 39.6% |
Won 2017 GEWon 2010 GE | LD | 20,201 | 38.2% |
| Ind | 6,139 | 11.6% | |
| Lab | 4,143 | 7.8% | |
| Green | 1,351 | 2.5% | |
| Ind | 139 | 0.3% |
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
✓ Won 2017 GE | LD | 24,658 | 47.3% |
| Con | 21,223 | 40.7% | |
| Lab | 2,497 | 4.8% | |
| Ind | 1,327 | 2.5% | |
| Ind | 1,305 | 2.5% | |
| Ind | 939 | 1.8% | |
| Ind | 101 | 0.2% | |
| Ind | 74 | 0.1% |
Josh Babarinde has not appeared in national political news coverage tracked by our system. This is common for backbench MPs who focus on constituency-level work rather than national policy debates.
10 articles hidden as not sufficiently relevant to this constituency
Søstrene Grene, a Danish lifestyle and homewares retailer, is opening a new store in Eastbourne's Beacon shopping centre, replacing the former HMV unit. The opening includes promotional activities and vouchers for the first 100 customers.
A Scottish environmental contractor completed a major cleanup operation along the Sussex coastline, including Eastbourne, after container ships lost cargo during storms in December and January. The operation recovered over 95 tonnes of waste, including insulation foam and onions, with crews manually covering 203 kilometres of protected beaches to avoid environmental damage.
A tribute show celebrating country music star Luke Combs is coming to the Congress Theatre in Eastbourne on April 16, featuring award-winning singer Noel Boland and a live band performing Combs' popular songs. The event represents local cultural programming at a prominent Eastbourne venue.
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Sussex Police are appealing for help finding 14-year-old Sa'riyah, missing from Eastbourne since 6:30pm. The teenager has links to Hellingly and police have issued a detailed description to aid the search.
A Worthing-based playwright's Spice Girls-inspired comedy about female friendship and ageing is touring to venues including The Grove Theatre in Eastbourne on April 18. The play explores themes of dance, female empowerment, menopause, and the power of community through the story of four reunited college friends.
Eastbourne's Airbourne International Airshow has confirmed its 2026 lineup, featuring the RAF Red Arrows, Typhoon, and several world-class aerobatic performers including female champions making their debuts. The event, taking place August 13-16, is the UK's largest free seafront airshow and the council is actively seeking sponsorship and community support to fund additional displays.
Eastbourne Borough Council is rolling out food waste recycling kits to all households, following a successful pilot in Langney. Collections will begin late April, with kits including outdoor and kitchen caddies, compostable liners, and weekly collection aligned with existing refuse schedules.
Fashion retailer Quiz, which collapsed into administration in February 2026, faces the potential closure of all 40 UK stores by the end of April due to weak sales and economic pressures. The Eastbourne store is among those at risk, which could result in significant job losses across the retail chain.
The RNLI Eastbourne lifeboat was launched on April 1st after reports of a semi-submerged life raft drifting near the town, but the crew discovered it was actually a cluster of red and black balloons. The incident highlights the RNLI's responsiveness to potential maritime emergencies and their thorough search protocols in busy shipping lanes.
Eastbourne residents across multiple areas have been reporting mysterious loud banging noises with flashes of light, occurring frequently at night. While theories range from fireworks to sonic booms, emergency services, police, and the council are investigating but have found no confirmed source.
Eastbourne Borough FC has been relegated from the Isthmian League after drawing 1-1 with Tonbridge, unable to escape the bottom four with three fixtures remaining. The club will drop to step three for the first time in over two decades, marking a significant sporting blow to the town's football community.
The UK government is investing in regeneration projects across two Sussex towns: Bexhill is receiving nearly £400,000 for renewable energy upgrades at the Sidley Hub and De La Warr Pavilion, while Eastbourne has launched a Neighbourhood Board backed by £1.5 billion nationally, with £90,000 allocated locally (£10,000 per ward). Communities minister Miatta Fahnbulleh stated the government aims to restore the 'glory days' of English seaside towns through these initiatives.
A man in his 30s was stabbed on Pevensey Road in Eastbourne on April 6th and was taken to Royal Sussex County Hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Police are investigating the incident as apparently isolated and appealing for witnesses and footage.
A retired nurse from Eastbourne created a whimsical art installation in the historic Carpet Gardens by attaching cartoon eyes, lips, and other features to plants to brighten public spirits and boost morale about the recently renovated gardens. The initiative reflects mixed community sentiment about the gardens' modern redesign, though council surveys show 51% support.
A resident at Eastbourne's Coppice Court care home, Catherine Ivey, has been volunteering to help with daily tasks such as laying tables, finding purpose and happiness in contributing to her community. The story highlights the importance of meaningful activities in enhancing resident wellbeing and engagement in local care facilities.
Josh Babarinde MP presents a political opinion piece criticizing Reform UK's policies and conduct ahead of local elections in Eastbourne, highlighting polling showing a two-horse race between Lib Dems (38%) and Reform (29%). The article attacks Reform's fiscal credibility, leadership judgment, and controversial statements on education and public services.
The Red Arrows and other RAF display teams will perform at Eastbourne's 2026 Airbourne International Airshow on August 14-16, as part of a four-day free seafront event organised by Eastbourne Borough Council. The council has confirmed the airshow operates on a cost-neutral basis through sponsorship and donations, with entry remaining free for visitors.
A local pub singing competition in Eastbourne attracted nearly 100 performers over 12 weeks and raised £750 for Eastbourne Pride. The event culminated in a grand final at the Crown & Anchor, where Bibi was crowned winner, and the pub received Eastbourne Pride's first-ever 'Pride Ally' award.
Eastbourne Silver Band held its 2026 season opener Easter Sunday concert, raising £1,400 each for St. Wilfrid's Hospice and Children With Cancer Fund as part of its 75th anniversary fundraising. The band performed for hundreds of spectators despite the bandstand unavailability, demonstrating strong community commitment through unpaid performances and charitable giving.
Eastbourne's Devonshire Park Theatre has confirmed its summer productions, featuring two plays: Frederick Knott's psychological thriller 'Dial M for Murder' (July 2-11) and Alan Ayckbourn's comedy 'Time and Time Again' (July 28-August 1), both produced by phil&ben in association with Eastbourne Productions.
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Prideaux House, a residential care home in Eastbourne, has been rated 'requires improvement' by the CQC following an inspection that found forceful care practices, missed safeguarding incidents, poor staff training, and leadership failures. The home must now submit an action plan to address serious concerns including low staff morale, high turnover, and inadequate care for vulnerable residents.
Over 850 children from 36 schools across Eastbourne and East Sussex participated in the Let's Dance 2026 event, a community dance programme run by the Russell Martin Foundation charity. The two-night performance featured 43 different acts and was supported by volunteer students from Ratton School, celebrating local youth engagement in the arts.
BodiBlossom, a local dance show featuring women of all ages and body types, is performing at Eastbourne's Royal Hippodrome Theatre to celebrate body confidence and real representation. The performance doubles as a fundraiser for Survivors' Network, a Sussex charity supporting survivors of sexual violence and abuse.
Eastbourne Airshow 2026 has announced an impressive line-up of flying displays including the Red Arrows, RAF Typhoon, and champion female aviators Mélanie Astles and Isabel Rutland. The event, voted UK's Best Free Airshow in 2025, is seeking sponsorship and public support to fund additional displays and the firework finale.
Singer Alexandra Burke is starring in a musical about Chaka Khan's life, which will run at the Congress Theatre in Eastbourne from 7-11 April. The production celebrates Khan's 50+ year career and features her greatest hits.
An Eastbourne mother, Kirsty Hibbert, is running the London Landmarks Half Marathon to raise funds for King's College Hospital, which treated her son Elliot after he was diagnosed with a life-threatening brain condition (AVM) requiring 13 hours of surgery. The fundraising effort has already raised nearly £4,000 for the hospital charity.
Eastbourne's miniature railway attraction, located off Lottbridge Drove, has reopened and is thriving as a family destination offering rides, maze exploration, and picnic facilities. Built by Mike Wadey and his family in 1991, the park employs 26 seasonal staff and attracts visitors from across the UK and internationally, positioning itself as the country's only miniature steam railway theme park.
Two entertainment events are coming to Eastbourne theatres: a Neil Diamond tribute show with orchestral accompaniment at Congress Theatre featuring Fisher Stevens, and comedian Judi Love performing at Devonshire Park Theatre. These are local cultural attractions promoting Eastbourne's theatre venues.
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The Port Hotel in Eastbourne's Royal Parade has seen its asking price reduced from £2.595m (September 2024) to £1.25m (current), with founders citing desire to pursue other ventures. The hotel, which opened in 2021 and has won multiple awards, remains a prominent waterfront business in the constituency.
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