Katy Bourne, Sussex’s Police and Crime Commissioner since 2012, has landed herself in hot water after joining an anti-migrant protest in Crowborough — and then storming out of a hearing when questioned about it.
Outrage Over Protest Walkout
Last November, hundreds of locals marched through Crowborough in East Sussex to oppose plans to house 500 migrants in a former military camp. Bourne’s choice to join the protest sparked fury among community leaders and crime panel members, who accused her of losing impartiality.
The panel boldly declared they had “lost confidence” in the Tory commissioner, voting to censure her for her controversial actions. Another motion accused Bourne of “bringing the office into disrepute.”
When confronted at the panel meeting, Bourne hit back, calling it a “coordinated personal attack on my integrity” and insisted she was simply “doing my job.” Then she walked out, branding the censure “disgusting.”
Firestorm Over Migrant Tagging Comments
The drama deepened as the hearing also tackled Bourne’s call for asylum seekers to be electronically tagged, which only stoked tensions further.
Lewes Green Party councillor Paul Keene slammed her, saying:
“This panel has lost confidence in the commissioner and in the commissioner’s conduct after her actions in attending the protest march on November 8, 2025.”
Bourne hit back with plans to lodge a complaint against the panel’s monitoring officer, labelling the censure bid as outright harassment.
Crowborough Erupts In Biggest Protest Yet
The migrant controversy flared anew last week when 27 asylum seekers moved into the barracks, sparking a massive demonstration. Thousands took to the streets, shouting “Keir Starmer’s traitor!” and “Whose streets? Our streets!”
- Protesters waved Union Jacks, St George’s Crosses, and Sussex flags.
- Signs warned: “We’ve been ignored and neglected, so we’re now at risk.”
- A van plastered with “Stop the boats” and “Crowborough says no” became a rallying point.
- Sussex Police arrested three after a vehicle was blocked from leaving the site.
A West Sussex County Council spokesperson said: “If a complaint is received, it will be handled carefully. However, we believe all procedures have been followed properly.”
The unfolding saga leaves Katy Bourne fighting for her credibility — and contemplating a bid for Sussex mayor amid the migrant maelstrom.
