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
Election fever grips Cuckfield
By Mike Schlup, ISOC
No, this has nothing to do with the goings on in Westminster, rather the imminent election of the new Mayor of The Independent State of Cuckfield. The election takes place every year on the third Friday of October, in this case that’s Friday 16th October. Election night is hosted this year at The Talbot. Here is a brief rundown of this year’s candidates.
Luke Mitchell - who is standing for the White Harte, is the first of a new batch of younger candidates at just 28 years old. He is aiming to contribute generously to the protection of the environment and to help facilitate outdoor activities for the school at Holy Trinity.
Jonno Stephens - a long-standing resident in Cuckfield and has over the years generously supported many mayoral candidates. This year, he stands for mayor representing the Wheatsheaf.
Jess Revis - will be familiar to many as the friendly face behind the bar at The Wheatsheaf and also from her appearances on stage at the Queens Hall and as half of the musical duo Jess and Paul.
Gareth Knapman - is a former multiple candidate who is hoping that 2026 could be his lucky year.
Ken Gregory - is the winningest mayor in the history of the Independent State of Cuckfield having held the mace no less than four times previously in 1992, 1995, 2009 and 2015. To celebrate the 60th year of ISOC, Ken will be vying to extend his tremendous record to five years.
Keegan Croydon-Elkin - Assistant Manager at The Talbot, is very familiar with the Mayor’s Election as he is the landlord of The Talbot, acting as the sheriff of Cuckfield, who traditionally presents the winning mayor with the ceremonial keys to Cuckfield during the Mayor’s procession. This time Keegan hopes to be receiving the keys.
Amy Cooke - is another local sporting hero having been a founding member of the Cuckfield based Haywards Heath Women’s rugby squad. Known for her competitive nature on the pitch Amy is also to be found working behind the bar at the Whitemans Green Sports Club.
Alan Carter - is the current Mayor of Cuckfield and, as is tradition, will stand in the election in case nobody else happens to enter.
To vote for your favorite candidate head down to the Talbot pub on Friday 16th October from 7pm. You can ‘vote’ with cash or card and every vote (penny) goes back to the community. Polls close at 10pm and the result is announced shortly afterwards.
On Saturday 17th October at 2.30pm, the Mayors’ Procession will set off from Warden Park School and make its way to the High Street.
The procession will feature a marching band and entertainment for children, so come along and enjoy the spectacle!
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.