New Leader for East Sussex County Council Liberal Democrats

Cllr Kathryn Field has taken over from Cllr David Tutt as Leader of the Liberal Democrat opposition group on East Sussex County Council, following Cllr Tutt’s decision not to seek re-election in May 2026.

Cllr Field has been a County Councillor for 34 years in a rural part of the county.  She has been the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrat group for several years.  Cllr Field is a highly respected and experienced County Councillor who is knowledgeable about all aspects of the County Council’s work.  She has particular expertise in work with children and is currently Chair of the Corporate Parenting Panel and the Lead Member for the Liberal Democrats on this area of the council’s work.

Cllr Field says:

“I am delighted to be taking on the role of Leader of the Liberal Democrat group at what is both an exciting but challenging time for local government as we move towards Local Government Re-organisation and the creation of a new unitary authority.

On behalf of the Liberal Democrat group I would like to pay tribute to Cllr David Tutt who has led the group with passion and commitment for a number of years.  He will be sorely missed. 

Looking to the future and the elections in May, we need to rebuild trust and confidence in our residents following the disastrous performance of the Conservative administration who have driven East Sussex County Council to bankruptcy and failed to deliver the services that matter to local people.  The new unitary authority will give us an opportunity to re-set our priorities. Our communities are at the heart of what we do as Liberal Democrats and we are determined to continue to listen to what our residents are telling us and to work with them in partnership as we help to shape the future direction of local government.”