Brighton and Hove City: Queen's Park ward

In their own words

Brighton and Hove Liberal Democrats are pleased to introduce Rüdi Dikty-Daudiyan as their candidate in the upcoming Queen’s Park by-election. Rüdi is a freelance translator who is proud to have made his home in the Queen’s Park ward.

Rüdi says, “I couldn’t be happier to have made Brighton my home, but like many of our residents, I’m concerned about how it’s being run. The current Labour council has a massive majority, and yet, we’re not seeing the results we deserve. This is the sixth expensive by-election being held since they came into office. That’s money that could have been spent on improving pavements, dealing with bins and recycling and anti-social behaviour. If elected, I would focus on getting the basics right.

In his spare time, Rüdi plays for the Queen’s Park Tennis Club and volunteers for the Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association. He lives in the ward with his husband and dog Emma.

Statement to voters supplied by the candidate to Democracy Club, retrieved 2026-09-19. Reproduced unedited.

In their own words

Behind the grand facades around Queen’s Park itself are communities facing some of the worst relative poverty in the city.

That is being felt particularly hard by pensioners and families struggling to pay their bills.

I want to be a councillor who is visible, accessible and focused on the issues that make a real difference to people’s lives.

Mr Gladwin, who retired from the NHS earlier this summer, has pledged to put tackling the cost of living, pensioner poverty, and fuel poverty at the heart of his campaign.

He has also highlighted economic regeneration and support for the wider Brighton and Hove economy as key priorities, drawing on previous experience running a small business.

Mr Gladwin lives in the area and has worked in the NHS for nearly 30 years, including as an executive director at several trusts.

He also has experience in local government and worked as a journalist in Brighton and Hove, serving as political editor for a local newspaper.

Statement to voters supplied by the candidate to Democracy Club, retrieved 2026-09-19. Reproduced unedited.

In their own words

No statement to voters supplied to Democracy Club.

In their own words

I want to bring Queen’s Park back to life and make sure Craven Vale gets the regular care, repairs and clean streets residents deserve.

I want to be an active local voice who follows up with the council to get the basics right and to deliver for our community: affordable housing for families, protecting our green spaces and improving schools and services for young people so families have absolute confidence in their children’s education and wellbeing.

Statement to voters supplied by the candidate to Democracy Club, retrieved 2026-09-19. Reproduced unedited.

In their own words

“I’m honoured to stand alongside Clare and am looking forward to working with her in support of all the ward. I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to work with local people and groups to explain decisions and hopefully get agreement on important issues. I want to support the ties between the council and the hard work done by the many charities and voluntary groups in Brighton & Hove.

“As a transport planner who has worked for many councils across the UK, I’m keen to see a continuation of the current Green administration’s work on improving active and inclusive travel, especially walking and wheeling as well as cycling.”

Statement to voters supplied by the candidate to Democracy Club, retrieved 2026-09-19. Reproduced unedited.