Stephen Lloyd SUS-200128-102925001

The Liberal Democrat, who had been MP since 2017, lost to Conservative Caroline Ansell in the General Election on December 12 last year.

Mr Lloyd said to the Herald, “It was a bit of a challenge, we gave it our best fight.

“It was difficult to stem the Brexit tide in a majority Leave-voting constituency.”

When asked if he would remain as the Lib Dem parliamentary candidate for Eastbourne, he said, “I’m continuing as the Lib Dem spokesman here, and then we’ll see what happens.”

Mr Lloyd was recently elected Chairman of the Eastbourne and Willingdon Liberal Democrats.

In a statement, he said he was “delighted” to be chosen for the new role.

“Nothing of course can ever replace the privilege of serving our town as its MP, but I welcome the responsibility of keeping the Liberal Democrat campaign network and influence strong across Eastbourne,” said Mr Lloyd.

“Supporting the work of our excellent Lib Dem council is also an important part of the role which I welcome.

“Working so successfully with council Leader, David Tutt, over many years, is a key reason why Eastbourne has successfully bucked the economic trend compared to other seaside towns, and this will continue.”

Eastbourne Borough Council leader said he was “thrilled” Mr Lloyd had agreed to take the role.

He said, “He is a politician with huge experience. Naturally,, along with many thousands of others, I’d have preferred him still to be the town’s MP, but the energy and expertise he’ll bring to this new role means Eastbourne can continue benefiting from his experience.

“This is good news for us all.”

Councillor Tutt said, “I’d also like to pay tribute to former councillor and Mayor, Mike Thompson, who has come to the end of his term as Party Chair for the fine work he’s done over the last few years.

“He will be supporting Stephen as Vice Chair, which combined with the depth and strength we have running the council means the Liberal Democrats will continue to be a strong and positive force across Eastbourne and beyond.”