February 4th, 2026.

Lewes Green Party Press release:



Members of the Sussex Police and Crime Panel (PCP) from across political parties are calling on Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne to resign after she reacted to a no-confidence vote by accusing panel members of harassment and intimidation.

The panel overwhelmingly passed a motion of censure and no confidence in the commissioner at its meeting last week, following Mrs Bourne’s participation in a march opposing the use of former army barracks in Crowborough to house asylum seekers.

The panel’s motion, proposed by Lewes District Council Green Party representative on the panel, Councillor Paul Keene, said Mrs Bourne’s presence at the march, her comments suggesting asylum seekers be electronically tagged, and her subsequent social media conduct, had "brought the office into disrepute.”

Following the vote the commissioner has accused panel members of harassment and intimidation, and offered no apology for her actions.

Panel members say they have been contacted by many Sussex residents who have voiced concerns that the PCC cannot remain a "listening ear" if she is actively marching with one side of a volatile issue.

One resident noted, "How can you hold the chief constable to account in policing a demonstration when you are on the march? If she wants to become political, she needs to resign."

Another resident said, "There was such an opportunity to be an adult, to say she was challenged emotionally by the experience but grateful for the insights and the opportunity to explore other sides of the story—having grace."

Members of the panel have concluded that by inflaming tensions rather than soothing them, Mrs. Bourne has made her position untenable.

Whilst the panel is the statutory body for public oversight, under current law it lacks the power to force a dismissal. However, given the severity of the conflict of interest and lack of impartiality, members of the panel felt they had no option but to publicly call for Mrs. Bourne to step down from her role.

Lewes Green Party Councillor Paul Keene, said: “The PCC is entitled to her views on our decision. If she disagrees with the procedure, she should complain via the appropriate channels and we will await any outcome should she choose to do so.

“If she disagrees with the substance of our reasoning, she should challenge us on their merits. She should not descend to baseless accusations of harassment.

“Scrutiny is a cornerstone of politics in this country. The panel’s role as critical friend will sometimes ask us to share uneasy truths with the PCC; it is done so in accordance with the purpose of the panel. If the PCC cannot meet that scrutiny in the interests of the public, then she should resign and allow the role to be filled by someone who can.”

Eastbourne Liberal Democrat Councillor Kathy Ballard, said: "I am very concerned at the conflict of interest when a PCC acts to incite one side of a conflict where her police force is directed to keep the peace. This lack of impartiality is inconsistent with the role of PCC required by the public."

Labour Councillor Christine Bayliss, said: “It is very regrettable that [Katy Bourne] chose to become politically involved in the scenario”.



Haven News: The story posted here at Haven News On January the 30th - CROSS PARTY SUPPORT FOR GREEN'S NO CONFIDENCE VOTE IN POLICE COMMISSIONER - drew a large number of comments on our Facebook page. Haven News readers may wish to view those varied comments to help form a dispassionate analysis.