Sussex Police Commissioner Faces Formal Censure After Joining Anti-Migrant March
Katy Bourne, the Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Sussex, has been formally censured by a regional crime panel after her attendance at an anti-migrant protest last year. The panel, composed of councillors and delegates, voted to express a loss of confidence in Ms Bourne, arguing that her actions compromised the impartiality expected of her office.
Controversial Attendance at Crowborough Protest
Ms Bourne, who has served as Sussex's PCC since 2012, joined a protest march in Crowborough, East Sussex, in November 2025. The demonstration was organised in response to the Labour Government's controversial plans to house up to 500 migrants in a former military camp in the area. Last week, the first group of 27 asylum seekers were moved into the site, reigniting local tensions.
The crime panel, which oversees the PCC's conduct, claimed that by participating in the protest, Ms Bourne had effectively taken a side on a highly charged political issue. This, they argued, undermined her role's requirement for neutrality and impartiality in policing matters.
Panel's Motion and Loss of Confidence
A motion tabled by Lewes Green Party councillor Paul Keene stated explicitly: 'This panel has lost confidence in the commissioner and in the commissioner's conduct after her actions in attending a protest march on November 8, 2025 in Crowborough.' The panel further asserted that Ms Bourne had 'brought the office into disrepute' due to this perceived lack of impartiality.
During a heated meeting yesterday, Ms Bourne defended her actions, stating she felt 'on trial for doing my job' and characterised the motion as a 'co-ordinated personal attack on my integrity.' Prior to the vote, she left the room, expressing disgust at the proceedings, and indicated she would complain to the monitoring officer, alleging harassment.
Broader Context and Recent Unrest
The censure comes against a backdrop of ongoing local unrest. Last week, as the first asylum seekers arrived at the barracks, thousands of protesters descended on the site in Crowborough. It was described as the largest demonstration the town has witnessed, with crowds chanting slogans such as 'Keir Starmer's traitor' and 'Who's streets? Our streets.'
Protesters waved Union Jacks, St George's Crosses, and Sussex flags, while signs bore messages like 'We've been ignored and neglected so we're now at risk.' A central van was decorated with phrases including 'Stop the boats' and 'Crowborough says no.' Sussex Police reported arresting three people during the protests after a vehicle was blocked from leaving the site.
Questions Over Previous Comments and Response
During the panel meeting, Ms Bourne also faced scrutiny over her past comments advocating for the electronic tagging of asylum seekers, further fuelling debates about her stance on migration issues. A spokesman for West Sussex County Council, which hosts the crime panel, responded to the potential complaint, stating: 'If a complaint is received then it will be looked at carefully and responded to appropriately. However, we believe that all processes have been followed correctly.'
This development poses a significant challenge for Ms Bourne, who is currently running to become the first directly elected mayor of Sussex. The censure highlights the delicate balance PCCs must maintain between personal views and professional obligations, particularly on divisive topics like immigration and asylum policy.
