District Council Elections: Candidates in Hassocks

The District Council elections are coming up on Thursday 2nd May. Here are our candidates for Hassocks:

Councillor Sue Hatton

Sue was a district councillor for eight years until 2015, and was re-elected in 2017. Since then she has been the only non-Conservative on Mid Sussex District Council. Of the fifty-four councillors, she was the only person to vote against the plans for the 500 houses at Clayton Mills North. Sue has lived in Hassocks for over forty years. Sue continues with her work as a Parish Councillor and as a governor of both Windmills Junior School and Downlands Community School.

Benedict Dempsey

Ben grew up in Haywards Heath and went to Warden Park. After Oxford University, he moved to London before returning to Sussex, and has lived in Hassocks for the past nine years. At last year's planning inquiry into the 500 houses at Clayton Mills North, Ben spoke as the Lib Dem representative in opposition to the proposals. Ben works in international development and environment policy. He is currently researching a PhD at Sussex University, whilst caring for his three young daughters. He is also training for a long-distance triathlon.

Alexander Sparasci

Alex was born in Cuckfield and went to school at Oakmeeds. With an Italian grandfather, Alex decided to read Italian and politics at university and spent a year studying in Siena. He is now settled in Hassocks with his young family. Away from his work as a travel industry content strategist, he is passionate about football. He is an Albion season ticket holder and has organised a weekly social football night in Hassocks for mixed ages and abilities for the last seven years.