Welcome to Cuckfield Life’s Mayoral Election and Procession event page. Here you will find our most recent information for everything mayoral.
Held on the third Friday in October, the Mayor’s Election prides itself on being completely and openly corrupt – whichever candidate buys the most votes is declared the winner and elected as the next Mayor of The Independent State of Cuckfield. Votes cost one penny each
The Saturday morning after election night sees the The Mayor’s Procession through the village.
See also, The Independent State of Cuckfield
60 years of Cuckfield mayors
Founded in 1966, The Independent State of Cuckfield is celebrating 60 years of Cuckfield Mayors, elections, processions and fundraising. This year’s election takes place on Friday 16th October at The Talbot, with the Mayor’s Procession the following day. We talked to Mike Schlup, Chairman of the Independent State to find out more.
What does it take to become mayor of Cuckfield?
It’s quite straightforward. Votes are actually pennies, so whichever candidate raises the most money come election night will be elected mayor.
Do you have to raise big sums to win the election?
This varies from year to year. Some years can result in big vote counts but for most other years the election can be won with a much lower total. What is important is that whether a candidate raises £100, £1,000 or more, every penny goes into the pot for the community to support the procession floats and wider good causes in and around Cuckfield.
People often say they are too busy to run for mayor or to be mayor. What does it take?
The election is all about fun and fundraising. If a candidate has just one small fundraiser for their campaign and doesn’t win, that’s fine. It’s about having fun and contributing to the community. It’s genuinely an enjoyable thing to do to run for mayor; I’ve done it myself and we had a great time. In fact, it’s better all round to have multiple candidates raising a smaller amount of funds than just one or two trying to raise larger amounts. And if you do win then you can do as much or as little as you want as mayor, depending on your other commitments.
What happens if nobody stands for election?
Traditionally, if there is no contest, then the current mayor is automatically re-elected. But this means there will be no new funds for local groups and organisations, and eventually this could mean the end of the Independent State of Cuckfield. In October’s Cuckfield Life, we’ll meet the candidates and hear more about their campaigns.
To find out more about taking part in the election, or entering a float in the procession email info@cuckfieldstate.org or call Mike on 07736 910344.
The count for the 2026 election will be held on Friday, October 16th . Why not and come see the candidates buying their last votes… or perhaps it could be you dressing in the scarlet robes? Next year’s candidates are already planning their electioneering fundraising!
The day after the count, the new mayor will lead the procession through the village on the Saturday afternoon (roads will be closed for the floats and marchers) and will then receive the keys to the village at The Talbot.
16th October 2026 is the election night at The Talbot this year.
To find out more about taking part in the election, or entering a float in the procession email info@cuckfieldstate.org or call Mike on 07736 910344.