In a surprise but enthusiastic political endorsement, Brighton’s own maverick commentator and community activist Matthew Taylor has announced his full backing for local businessman Martin Webb to become the first democratically elected Sussex Mayor.
Taylor made his position crystal clear, declaring:
“If there’s going to be a mayor of Brighton, WE ALL NEED it to be Martin Webb. Trust me!”
The endorsement marks a new chapter in Taylor’s political activity. Although unable to run for Sussex Mayor himself due to current restrictions, Taylor initially set his sights on coaxing boxing legend Chris Eubank into the race. When that bid fell through, Taylor said he found his “hero” in Martin Webb — a man he describes as a “local champion and all-round good man.”
Why Martin Webb?
Known for his entrepreneurial spirit, community projects, and strong sense of civic pride, Martin Webb has long been a familiar figure in Brighton and across Sussex. Taylor believes Webb’s track record and passion for the area make him the ideal candidate to lead the newly created mayoral role.
“Martin has the heart, the brains, and the backbone to stand up for Brighton and Sussex,” Taylor said. “He cares about the people, the culture, and the future of our county. That’s exactly what we need.”
A Shared Vision for Sussex
Taylor and Webb share similar ideals: protecting local heritage, investing in sustainable development, and ensuring that decisions made at the top reflect the needs of everyday Sussex residents. Webb has recently spoken out on a range of local issues — from improving cycle lanes to boosting small business support — demonstrating a hands-on approach that resonates with Taylor’s activist style.
With the first Sussex Mayoral election on the horizon, Taylor’s endorsement could add a burst of grassroots energy to Webb’s campaign.
As Taylor puts it:
“If Martin Webb gets the mayor’s seat, Brighton and Sussex will be in safe hands.”
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| Martin Webb |
“So Let’s Do Cycle Lanes, But Let’s Do Them Properly. Let’s Do Them Well.” – Martin Webb on Sussex’s Cycling Future.
Martin Webb, the prospective Labour candidate for Sussex Mayor, has once again proven why he’s the man to lead our county into a better, more connected future. Speaking in a video posted to his Martin Webb for Sussex Mayor Facebook page, Webb passionately backed the idea of cycle lanes — but stressed that they must be built with proper planning, common sense, and long-term vision.
“I’m a really big fan of cycle lanes. It’s a great way to get fit, get around. It’s good for the CO2 emissions and keeping you fit and all that sort of stuff. So let’s get more of them. Let’s join up Sussex with cycle lanes, but they need to be really well thought out,” Webb said.
Filming himself while cycling along Brighton seafront, Webb used the moment to highlight what he sees as the pitfalls of poorly planned infrastructure.
“This one I’m currently using, put in by the Greens a few years ago, is really badly thought out. If you’re travelling East to West, it sets you against seven sets of traffic lights. The old cycle lane here was two-way and didn’t set you against any traffic lights at all — much better. The problem with this one is it causes congestion. No one uses it because of the lights, and it’s a waste of money.”
Common-Sense Leadership.
Webb’s message is clear: Sussex deserves infrastructure that works. He isn’t against investment in cycle lanes — in fact, he’s calling for more — but he insists they must be done properly to ensure maximum benefit for cyclists, drivers, and the environment alike.
“Let’s think them through. Let’s work out if people are going to use them and let’s make sure it doesn’t slow the traffic down as well. If you’ve got cars and lorries sitting running their engines in a traffic jam, that’s incredibly bad for the economy, the environment, and everyone has to breathe in those fumes,” he added.
A Proven Track Record for Sussex.
This isn’t just talk. Martin Webb’s history shows he’s a man of action who delivers results for the people of Brighton and Sussex. From building a £15 million business empire that created jobs, to donating a £330,000 house to charity to help vulnerable young people, Webb has spent decades improving the city he loves.
His mix of entrepreneurial skill, community spirit, and environmental awareness is exactly what’s needed to balance progress with practicality. In the debate over cycle lanes, Webb offers a refreshing alternative to both reckless spending and short-term fixes — sensible, joined-up solutions that serve everyone.
The Right Choice for a Sustainable Future.
With Brighton and the wider Sussex region facing challenges from congestion to climate change, leadership matters more than ever. Martin Webb’s approach ensures that initiatives like cycle lanes don’t just look good on paper, but genuinely improve lives for generations to come.
The choice is clear: if Sussex wants a mayor who combines vision with common sense, ambition with action, and environmental responsibility with economic growth, Martin Webb is the best man for the job.
Vote Martin Webb – The People’s Mayor.
contact@martinwebb.com
instagram.com/martinwebb4sussex
tiktok.com/@martin4sussexmayor
Martin Webb: The Right Leader for Brighton’s Future.
Brighton stands at a historic crossroads. For the first time, the city will elect its own mayor – a role that will shape the future of our communities, businesses, and quality of life for decades to come. Among the candidates, one name stands out not just for his ambition, but for a proven record of action: Martin Webb.
Webb isn’t a career politician chasing headlines; he’s a Brighton-born entrepreneur, philanthropist, and community leader with a long track record of turning ideas into tangible results. His life’s work reflects the very qualities Brighton needs – vision, efficiency, compassion, and deep local roots.
A Proven Business Visionary.
Martin Webb first made his mark by co-founding the C-Side Leisure Group, building it into one of the city’s largest and most successful pub and leisure companies. At its peak, C-Side owned 31 venues, from popular seafront clubs to thriving local pubs. In 2001, he sold the company for £15 million – an achievement that demonstrated his sharp business sense and ability to grow enterprises in competitive markets.
Since then, he has continued to invest in Brighton, owning and running successful pubs such as The Stoneham, The Connaught, and the pioneering Robin Hood pub – the UK’s first charity pub, where profits go directly to local charities. His leadership style blends commercial success with social responsibility, proving that good business can also mean doing good.
A Man Who Gives Back.
Brighton is more than a business opportunity to Webb – it’s home. His family has lived here for eight generations, and he’s committed to making the city a better place for all who live in it.
In 2002, shortly after the sale of C-Side, Webb donated a six-bedroom house worth £330,000 to local charity Off the Fence. The property became a refuge for vulnerable young people facing homelessness, drug addiction, or exploitation. This was not a one-off gesture – it was the start of a pattern. Webb has consistently supported community projects, often stepping in where others have failed to act.
As Webb himself puts it:
"I am putting money back into the city I love after it has been so good to me."
Independent Thinker, Respectful Debater.
Unlike many politicians, Martin Webb is not defined by party lines or political point-scoring. Although a Labour supporter, he has worked alongside people of all political beliefs, including his former business partner, Conservative MP Simon Kirby. Webb has shown he can disagree without division – an essential quality for a mayor tasked with uniting Brighton’s diverse communities.
He understands that leadership means building consensus, not burning bridges. His ability to respect opposing views while standing firm in his own convictions is a rare trait in today’s political climate.
Brighton Needs Action, Not Rhetoric.
Brighton faces real challenges – from housing shortages to economic recovery, from protecting our creative culture to ensuring our most vulnerable citizens are not left behind. Webb has already shown he can navigate complex problems, run efficient organisations, and deliver innovative solutions that benefit the whole community.
His approach to business – prioritising sustainability, efficiency, and local benefit – is exactly the skillset needed to lead Brighton into a prosperous and inclusive future.
The Ideal First Mayor.
Martin Webb combines the qualities of a shrewd entrepreneur, a committed community builder, and a principled leader. His career is marked by results, not promises; by generosity, not self-interest.
As Brighton prepares to elect its first mayor, we have a choice:
We can choose the safe rhetoric of politics-as-usual,
Or we can choose Martin Webb – a man with the track record, the passion, and the vision to make Brighton thrive.
Martin Webb is the ideal first mayor for Brighton – and exactly what Sussex needs.
MARTIN WEBB – THE MAN TO MAKE BRIGHTON SHINE!
Brighton’s about to elect its first-ever mayor – and there’s only one candidate with the track record to deliver: Martin Webb.
Self-Made Success – Built C-Side Leisure from scratch into a £15 million empire of pubs, clubs and venues across the city.
Community Champion – Gave a £330,000 house to charity to help vulnerable young people.
Innovator – Opened the UK’s first charity pub, The Robin Hood, giving profits back to local causes.
Brighton Born & Bred – Eight generations of family history in the city – he knows our streets, our people, our needs.
Respected Leader – Works across political divides, solves problems, gets results.
Martin Webb doesn’t just talk about change – he’s already done it.
From creating jobs to giving back to those in need, his record speaks louder than any manifesto.
Brighton deserves a mayor who works for ALL of us.
It’s time for a leader who puts people before politics.
Vote Martin Webb – The People’s Mayor.
contact@martinwebb.com
instagram.com/martinwebb4sussex
tiktok.com/@martin4sussexmayor
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