LD regained this seat from Con — last held it in 2010.
MP News Approval i
+63
James MacCleary
Liberal DemocratsJames MacCleary is the Liberal Democrat MP for Lewes, and has been an MP continually since 4 July 2024. He currently undertakes the role of Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Defence).
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Sign up freeCoverage of Lewes has been mixed for James across 40 recent articles.
Positive coverage
“MP calls for full U-turn on 'Family Farm Tax' changes” — The Argus
“Controversial proposals for a major housing development in Wivelsfield Green are set to go in front of councillors” — Sussex Express
A safe LD seat, won with 51% of the vote in 2024. Covers Seaford, Lewes and Newhaven. Population 97,439, notably older (median age 49 vs 41 nationally).
Greens launch local election campaign with focus on housing
BBC · 9 Apr 2026
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Sign up freeMedian Income▼
£27,700
per year (HMRC 2022-23)
Mean Income▼
£39,300
per year (HMRC 2022-23)
Businesses▼
4,310
VAT/PAYE registered (ONS 2024)
Schools▼
36
24 primary, 5 secondary, 7 other
Total Income Tax▼
£325m
from 50,000 taxpayers
Median Tax▼
£2,750
per taxpayer / year
Mean Tax
£6,570
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▼
47.9
average score (DfE)
GCSE Pass Rate▼
69.8%
5+ GCSEs 9-4 (DfE)
6 towns, 8 villages, rural areas — 95,857 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
36 councillors across 22 wards · Last elections: May 2023
| Ward | Party | Councillor | Elected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arlington | Green Party of England and Wales | Alison Jane Wilson | May 2023 |
| Ditchling Westmeston | Liberal Democrats | Paul Anthony David Mellor | May 2023 |
| Kingston | Liberal Democrats | Stella Spiteri | May 2023 |
| Lewes Bridge | Liberal Democrats | Janet Baah | May 2023 |
| Green Party of England and Wales | Zoe Nicholson | May 2023 | |
| Lewes Castle | Green Party of England and Wales | Nicolas Kortalla-Bird | May 2023 |
| Green Party of England and Wales | Wendy Maples | May 2023 | |
| Lewes Priory | Green Party of England and Wales | Graham Clews | May 2023 |
| Green Party of England and Wales | Imogen Makepeace | May 2023 | |
| Green Party of England and Wales | Paul Keene | May 2023 | |
| Lower Willingdon | Independent Berwick Hills Resident | Stephen Shing | May 2023 |
| Newhaven North | Liberal Democrats | Julie Lyn Carr | May 2023 |
| Liberal Democrats | Sean Macleod | May 2023 | |
| Newhaven South | Liberal Democrats | Christoph David Von Kurthy | May 2023 |
| Liberal Democrats | Graham Roger Amy | May 2023 | |
| Liberal Democrats | James MacCleary | May 2023 | |
| Ouse Valley Ringmer | Green Party of England and Wales | Emily O'Brien | May 2023 |
| Green Party of England and Wales | Johnny Denis | May 2023 | |
| Green Party of England and Wales | Lucy Agace | May 2023 | |
| Plumpton Streat East Chiltington St John | Liberal Democrats | Daniel James Banfield Stewart-Roberts | May 2023 |
| Polegate Central | Conservative and Unionist Party | Chris Primett | May 2023 |
| Polegate North | Independent Berwick Hills Resident | Oi Lin Shing | May 2023 |
| Polegate South Willingdon Watermill | Independent Berwick Hills Resident | Daniel Dak Yan Shing | May 2023 |
| Seaford Central | Liberal Democrats | Freddie Hoareau | May 2023 |
| Liberal Democrats | Stephen John Gauntlett | May 2023 | |
| Seaford East | Green Party of England and Wales | Becky Francomb | May 2023 |
| Green Party of England and Wales | Ezra Cohen | May 2023 | |
| Seaford North | Green Party of England and Wales | James Meek | May 2023 |
| Green Party of England and Wales | Roy Clay | May 2023 | |
| Seaford South | Liberal Democrats | Christine Anne Brett | May 2023 |
| Liberal Democrats | Olivia Honeyman | May 2023 | |
| Seaford West | Liberal Democrats | Christina Kathleen Bristow | May 2023 |
| Liberal Democrats | Lesley Boniface | May 2023 | |
| South Downs | Conservative and Unionist Party | David Martin Greaves | May 2023 |
| Stone Cross | Conservative and Unionist Party | Daniel Oliver Upton | May 2023 |
| Upper Willingdon | Independent Berwick Hills Resident | Raymond Dak Wai Shing | 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 | 26,895 | 50.6% | |
Won 2019 GEWon 2017 GEWon 2015 GE | Con | 14,271 | 26.8% |
| Ref | 6,335 | 11.9% | |
| Lab | 3,574 | 6.7% | |
| Green | 1,869 | 3.5% | |
| Ind | 229 | 0.4% |
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
✓ Won 2017 GEWon 2015 GE | Con | 26,268 | 47.9% |
| LD | 23,811 | 43.4% | |
| Lab | 3,206 | 5.8% | |
| Green | 1,453 | 2.6% | |
| Ind | 113 | 0.2% |
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
✓ Won 2019 GEWon 2015 GE | Con | 26,820 | 49.5% |
| LD | 21,312 | 39.3% | |
| Lab | 6,060 | 11.2% |
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
✓ Won 2019 GEWon 2017 GE | Con | 19,206 | 38.0% |
Won 2010 GE | LD | 18,123 | 35.9% |
| Ind | 5,427 | 10.7% | |
Won 2019 GEWon 2017 GE | Lab | 5,000 | 9.9% |
| Green | 2,784 | 5.5% |
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| LD | 26,048 | 52.0% | |
| Con | 18,401 | 36.7% | |
| Lab | 2,508 | 5.0% | |
| Ind | 1,728 | 3.5% | |
Won 2024 GE | Green | 729 | 1.5% |
| Ind | 594 | 1.2% | |
| Ind | 80 | 0.2% |
James MacCleary 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.
9 articles hidden as not sufficiently relevant to this constituency
The Green Party launched its local election campaign with a focus on housing, highlighting its pledges on affordable homes, leasehold reform, and rent controls. The article specifically mentions that Green-led councils in Lewes have built hundreds of new council homes in recent years, positioning this as evidence of the party's commitment to housing delivery.
A property market analysis reveals that Lewes is among 12 UK commuter towns experiencing house price declines due to rising mortgage rates and return-to-office trends. Lewes specifically saw a 2.8% price drop (£10,183), with average homes now at £356,087, though the town retains appeal for its medieval charm and South Downs location.
A local campaign group, RAGE, is protesting against plans for 140 homes on greenfield land west of Broyle Side in Ringmer, which Lewes District Council's planning committee is set to consider. The protest is part of a national day of action against countryside development, with the group arguing that green fields are being developed instead of brownfield sites.
Seaford's town crier Peter White met King Charles III during the monarch's recent visit to open the English Coast Path and declare a national nature reserve. White, who has served as Seaford's town crier since 1977, shared details of his conversation with the King about his uniform, which was made by a Royal Warrant tailor.
A Lewes gallery is hosting an exhibition of paintings celebrating nature across the seasons, featuring works focused on traveller's joy (wild clematis), bluebell woods, blossom, ancient yew trees, and a piece inspired by Hope Gap on the Sussex coast. The exhibition emphasizes careful observation of the natural world and the qualities of oil painting as a medium.
A trial at Lewes Crown Court concerns three men accused of gang-raping a woman on Brighton Beach in October 2024. The defendants, all failed asylum seekers from Egypt and Iran, deny the charges; one defendant claims the encounter was consensual while another claims he filmed it as evidence rather than as 'trophy' footage.
Lewes District Council's planning committee will decide on April 15 whether to approve outline permission for 140 new homes on farmland west of Broyle Side. The proposal has attracted significant local opposition (583 objection letters) over concerns about character, infrastructure capacity, and traffic impacts, though council officers recommend approval citing housing shortages.
Lewes District Council's planning committee is reviewing a controversial application to build up to 80 homes in Wivelsfield Green, with council officers recommending approval despite identified landscape and settlement pattern harms. The scheme has attracted over 600 objections from residents and opposition from the local MP and parish councils, who argue it contradicts local planning policy and undermines the village's rural character.
A drink-driver has been jailed for five years and two months after killing motorcyclist Matthew Burdikin in a head-on crash on the A21 near Robertsbridge in October 2024. The case was heard at Lewes Crown Court, where Lee Hatfield pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving while under the influence of alcohol.
A new Finnish-style woodland sauna has opened near Lewes on the South Downs, offering wellbeing experiences for hikers, cyclists, and locals. Founded by Anni Townend and Simone Thorn, it features traditional sauna rituals, aromatherapy, and plans to host community events and workshops.
A 54-year-old Lewes resident was struck by a hit-and-run vehicle in town in November 2024, sustaining serious knee fractures requiring surgery and lengthy rehabilitation. Now recovered enough to walk with crutches, she is appealing for information about the pale-coloured hatchback after police closed the case without locating the driver.
A man and his dog were rescued by Newhaven RNLI after the man fell on his vessel in Seaford Bay and sustained head and shoulder injuries. The rescue involved a challenging night operation in difficult sea conditions, with the casualty safely transferred to an ambulance at Newhaven Marina.
Ringmer residents, led by Dr Tony Parker, have been campaigning for over five years about persistent flooding on the Mill Road site linked to the planned Caburn Fields development. MP James MacCleary has forwarded a letter from Southern Water's CEO acknowledging the flooding issue, though responsibility has been passed to local authorities (ESCC and Lewes District Council) rather than the water company addressing it directly.
A street fight involving approximately five men with knives and weapons occurred in Whitehawk, Brighton on March 18, resulting in two arrests and ongoing police investigation. The case is being handled through Lewes Crown Court, indicating it falls within the local criminal justice jurisdiction.
East Sussex residents and campaigners are opposing Lewes District Council's plan to develop Chyngton Field near Seaford with up to 30 homes, arguing it threatens access to the iconic Seven Sisters and Seaford Head views. The field is designated as a protected habitat and nature-friendly area, with over 2,200 petition signatures and support from the National Trust, Sussex Wildlife Trust, and local councillors against the development.
James MacCleary, Liberal Democrat MP for Lewes, has called for the Government to completely scrap the Family Farm Tax, arguing that a partial U-turn does not go far enough to protect family farms in the constituency. He contends that the tax, affecting agricultural property relief above a £2.5 million threshold, threatens food security and the viability of farming in East Sussex while the sector already struggles with cost-of-living pressures.
A developer is seeking state approval to build an 18-slip marina along the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal near Route 9, serving a nearby 78-lot residential development called Henlopen Bluff. The project is currently in the public notice phase with the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, accepting comments until April 14, 2026.
Lewes Athletic Club hosted a successful Easter Fun Run league fixture with nearly 500 adult runners and dozens of juniors participating across three race categories. The event showcased strong performances from Lewes AC athletes and demonstrated active community participation and sporting engagement in the constituency.
Harvey's Brewery, a long-established Lewes-based brewery, has won multiple international and national awards for its branding and beer products, including a bronze at Transform Awards Europe 2026 for its craft range redesign. The brewery has had a successful awards season, picking up accolades across multiple competitions including the World Beer Awards and International Beer Challenge.
Lewes District Council's planning committee will consider condition discharge applications for a six-home development east of Bridgelands, reviewing construction management plans and environmental safeguards. The application has officer support but faces concerns from Barcombe Parish Council regarding ecological protections and Japanese Knotweed removal.
An article about a local runner named Parsons who competed in multiple running events over the Easter period, including the Lewes Easter 10k. The piece covers results from three separate races and mentions other participants from a running club.
The Lewes Easter Fun Runs, hosted by Lewes Athletic Club, celebrated family participation and personal achievements across three race categories at Wave Leisure Centre. Local runners of all ages achieved personal bests and demonstrated strong community spirit.
Lidl has identified 25 potential locations across Sussex for new store expansion, including Lewes, as part of its continued UK growth strategy. M&S is similarly targeting 14 Sussex locations, including Lewes, for new Food stores.
Network Rail has announced major engineering works on the Brighton Main Line between Three Bridges and Brighton/Lewes scheduled for 13-21 February 2027, including maintenance of the Ouse Valley viaduct and structural repairs to prevent flooding and landslips. The closure will disrupt rail services in the Lewes area, though bus replacements will operate and some trains will be diverted via an alternative route through Littlehampton.
A 58-year-old man from Portslade was convicted of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in his care and received a suspended sentence at Lewes Crown Court. The case highlights serious concerns about child safeguarding and the justice system's handling of sexual assault cases involving minors.
Havens Food Cooperative, operating across the Saltdean to Seaford area within Lewes constituency, has redistributed over £2 million worth of surplus food since its founding through community pantries and partnerships with local stores. The milestone was celebrated with local dignitaries and the cooperative continues to invite volunteers and donors to support its mission of tackling food insecurity.
Cards for Good Causes, a charity Christmas card shop that operated in Lewes for 30 years, was unable to open in 2025 due to lack of venue space and is now seeking a temporary location to reopen in 2026. The organisation appeals for local businesses, churches, or community spaces to host the pop-up shop, which generates 100% of profits for charities and draws seasonal footfall to the town.
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