Matthew Taylor: The Maverick Politician.

Matthew Taylor: The Maverick Politician Aiming to Be Brighton’s First Democratically Elected Mayor.

Brighton, a city renowned for its vibrant culture, eclectic spirit, and fiercely independent identity, may soon witness a seismic shift in its political landscape. Matthew Taylor, a self-styled political maverick and leader of the King Arthur Political Party, has thrown his hat into the ring to become Brighton’s first democratically elected mayor. With a bold vision to wrest control from what he calls “career politicians addicted to the gravy train of privilege,” Taylor is urging Brightonians to back a true local—a born-and-raised Brightonian—to lead their city.

Taylor’s political journey is anything but conventional. In the 2015 General Election, he stood as a candidate in Brighton Kemptown, only to finish last with a modest 69 votes. Far from being deterred, Taylor claims his campaign was undermined by sabotage and even alleges he was personally attacked during the election—a charge that underscores his narrative of battling against entrenched powers. Now, a decade later, he’s setting his sights on a new prize: the mayoralty of Brighton, a position he believes should embody the city’s unique character rather than serve as a stepping stone for political elites.

A Local Voice in a Sea of Outsiders.

At the heart of Taylor’s campaign is a rallying cry for local sovereignty. “Brighton belongs to Brightonians,” he declares, emphasizing that only someone who has lived and breathed the city’s streets can truly represent its people. For too long, he argues, Brighton has been governed by outsiders—career politicians who parachute in, detached from the community’s struggles and triumphs, chasing personal ambition over public good. Taylor positions himself as the antidote: a man of the people, unshackled by party machines or the lure of what he derisively calls the “gravy train” of political privilege.

This stance resonates with a city that prides itself on its nonconformity. Brighton has long been a hub of progressive thought and grassroots activism, yet Taylor contends that its leadership has failed to reflect this spirit. “We’ve seen time and time again how Brighton has been let down by those who put their own interests first,” he says. “I’m not here to play politics—I’m here to fight for Brighton.”

From 2015 Setbacks to 2025 Ambitions.

Taylor’s 2015 electoral flop might seem like a liability, but he wears it as a badge of honour—a testament to his willingness to take on the establishment, even at great personal cost. His claim of sabotage during that campaign remains a cornerstone of his outsider narrative. Though details of the alleged attack and interference are murky, Taylor insists they were orchestrated attempts to silence his voice. “They didn’t want a maverick shaking things up,” he says, framing the experience as fuel for his current mission.

Now, in 2025, Taylor is leveraging that same defiance to rally support. His platform, rooted in the principles of the King Arthur Political Party, promises a radical departure from business as usual. He pledges to root out corruption in local government, champion transparency, and prioritize the needs of ordinary Brightonians over corporate interests or political cronies. It’s a message that taps into widespread disillusionment with traditional politics—a sentiment Taylor hopes will propel him to victory.

The King Arthur Political Party: A Maverick Movement.

Taylor’s King Arthur Political Party is as unconventional as its founder. Inspired by ideals of justice, honor, and a mythic vision of leadership, the party rejects the polished pragmatism of mainstream politics. Critics might dismiss it as eccentric, but Taylor sees it as a bold reimagining of what governance can be. “We’re not here to tinker around the edges,” he says. “We’re here to challenge the status quo and return power to the people.”

This ethos underpins his mayoral bid. If elected, Taylor vows to be a mayor who listens—to the fishermen on the shore, the artists in the lanes, and the families squeezed by rising costs. He contrasts this with the “careerists” he accuses of exploiting public office for personal gain, hopping from one cushy role to the next while leaving communities behind.

A City at a Crossroads.

Brighton currently operates under a council system, with a ceremonial mayor appointed by councillors rather than elected by the public. Taylor’s campaign hinges on the prospect of a referendum to establish a directly elected mayor—a move that would mark a historic shift for the city. Should such a vote materialize, Taylor aims to ride a wave of local pride and anti-establishment fervor to secure the role.

His detractors, however, question his viability. With only 69 votes in 2015, skeptics argue that Taylor lacks the broad support needed to win a citywide election. His allegations of sabotage, while compelling to his base, are seen by some as unproven grievances that risk alienating moderate voters. Yet Taylor remains undaunted. “The people of Brighton don’t want another polished suit,” he counters. “They want someone real—someone who’s been in the trenches with them.”

A Call to Arms for Brightonians.

As the calendar turns to February 20, 2025, Matthew Taylor’s campaign is gaining traction among those fed up with the political class. His message is simple but potent: Brighton deserves a mayor who embodies its soul, not a careerist riding the gravy train. Whether he can translate that sentiment into votes remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—Taylor’s maverick streak has already stirred the pot in a city that thrives on bold ideas.

For Taylor, this isn’t just a campaign; it’s a crusade. “Brighton’s time for change is now,” he says. “Let’s take our city back—together.” As the debate over a directly elected mayor heats up, all eyes will be on whether this outspoken Brightonian can defy the odds once more and etch his name into the city’s storied history.