Banister & Polygon, Bargate, Bassett, Bevois, Bitterne Park, Coxford

Seventeen of the council’s 51 seats – one in each ward – will be up for grabs and a total of 93 people have been nominated across the city. The contests see either five or six candidates throw their hats into the ring in each ward, respectively.

There are candidates for Labour, Conservative, Liberal Democrat, Green and Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition in every ward, while there are eight nominations from Reform UK.

The Labour group is currently the largest on Southampton City Council, with 37 of the 51 seats. There are nine Conservative and three Liberal Democrat councillors, as well as one Green and one independent.

We invited every candidate standing in the Southampton City Council local election to submit 100-word profiles.

These are the candidates and the responses ahead of residents going to the polls on Thursday, May 2.

Banister and Polygon

Andy Beal (Liberal Democrat)

Andy Beal has lived in Southampton for over 20 years. He’s married to a primary school teacher, with two young children and enjoys fishing whenever Mrs Beal allows.

“I have (been) disappointed by the behaviour of the two main parties in Southampton,” he said.

“They seem to forget that local government is about doing what’s best for the residents in their respective wards. As a councillor, I will be rational and pragmatic in representing the residents of Banister and Polygon. My policy will be shaped by the views of our residents.”

Scott Davis (Local Conservatives)

Southampton is my home and where I have chosen to raise my family, it is a great place but it can be so much more. We need a council that gets the basics right, not wastes millions on vanity projects. I hope to help bring the change that our city so desperately needs.

Ellis Jackson (Green Party)

As a long-time resident of Banister and Polygon, I’m invested in its future. My experience within social services and overseeing local community projects has taught me the value of making informed decisions, trust and collaboration. I’m committed to ensuring that every voice is heard, and every concern addressed.

If elected, I will advocate tirelessly for sustainable infrastructure, improved mental health and drug support services, and cleaner, safer streets for all. I believe in accountability and prioritising people and the planet over politics or profit. With your support, I’ll work to make our community a better place for generations to come.

Karen Rogers (Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition)

We have a desperate housing crisis in Southampton that has been caused by the Tory policy selling of council housing and continued by Labour who have failed to address the crisis. Relying on the private sector to deliver low-rent housing has failed.

We call on Southampton council to use its powers to immediately begin a mass building programme of eco-friendly affordable council homes to tackle the housing crisis and introduce rent controls. We reject the increase in council rents and charges.

Vivienne Windle (Labour and Co-operative Party)

As local councillor since 2019, I have always stood up for people here in Banister and Polygon against the problems we face.

I have fought for tenants in private rented accommodation, chairing the scrutiny inquiry panel into the private rented sector. I campaigned for better bus services across the city, and I worked to identify fly-tipping hotspots so that the ward gets cleaned regularly. I’m also the official “Champion for Older People” on the council.

Please vote Labour and I will carry on fighting for Banister and Polygon.

Bargate

Joe Cox (Green Party)

Joe has been a volunteer with the Green Party for over two decades and has seen the party grow to the point that residents have voted in our first councillor and are helping to sway opinion for a better future.

Having been an electronics engineer for the most, while living in Southampton, Joe now works for a friendly gardening services co-operative where profits are ploughed back into the company and the business operates to help the community.

Last year he took time out to study at Sparsholt College and achieved professional qualifications in chainsaw operation.

Donna Dee (Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition)

As the economic crisis deepens, the Tories look to scapegoat others for the crisis they have caused by cutting funding to local councils, all our candidates fight for united working-class struggle against racism, sexism and all forms of oppression.

Reuben Hinchliffe (Liberal Democrat)

Reuben Hinchliffe is a student, studying geology at the University of Southampton. He lives in halls near Ocean Village, and spends his time studying between the Oceanography waterfront campus and Highfield. When he’s not studying or on field trips, he’s often hiking with the University Hillwalking Club.

Reuben is standing for the Liberal Democrats because he believes in a better future for Southampton. He wants to see investment in our local communities, more house building to support the next generation to find homes, and better relations between the different groups (including students) that call Southampton their home.

Matt Jones (Local Conservatives)

I am deeply rooted in Southampton, generations of my family have called the city home and I have lived here for over 25 years. As a self-employed joiner running a small local workshop, I meet many people and travel to all parts of the city; I also served on the council from 2008-2012 and have over a decade of experience campaigning to improve our city. My experience has given me a broad view of our many strengths and some of the unique challenges we still need to overcome.

Ginnie Lambert (Labour Party)

I’ve lived in the city centre for years and it’s clear Conservative policies have had a serious effect. My neighbours are worried about the cost of living, access to health care, and about crime and anti-social behaviour.

So many of these problems are fuelled by inequality.

If elected, I will be a voice for people struggling with higher costs. I’ll work with the police and the council to tackle crime and enforce sanctions against fly-tippers. I’ll fight to defend local green spaces, which we all have a right to access, and which are so important for mental health.

Bassett

Lawrence Coomber (Labour Party)

I’ve lived in Southampton for a few years now, and it’s clear to me what needs to change. Housing costs are too high, it can be hard to get around, and we’ve got sewage pouring into the River Itchen.

It’s also clear the Tories have let down Bassett, but the Liberal Democrats haven’t achieved much either. I firmly believe I can bring Labour’s plan to Bassett, and represent you better on the council.

I would be a listening councillor. I am always open and ready to talk with anyone who would like to.

Aziz Dieng (Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition)

We oppose the privatisation of council jobs and services, or the transfer of existing council services to social enterprises or ‘arms-length’ management organisations which are the first steps to their privatisation. All privatised services should be brought back in-house, so public funding delivers services for all our communities not profits for the few.

Amanda Jane Guest (Local Conservatives)

I’m best known in Southampton as a hardened campaigner to save Kentish Road Respite Centre from closure, and fought hard against the closure of Holcroft House dementia care home.

I previously served as a Conservative councillor in the Redbridge ward and gained a wealth of experience and knowledge of what it takes to represent local people. I believe in protecting vital services and feel a lot of people have been let down by this awful Labour council.

I’ve had so much support over the last few years, and if elected, I’ll stand up for Bassett residents in the same way.

Helen Mary Makrakis (Green Party)

No response received.

Tom Randell (Reform UK)

Lived in Bassett with my family for more than 20 years and worked as a behavioural psychologist at Southampton University since 2001. The purpose of politics should be to make a positive difference to people’s lives and that Reform UK can bring back common sense to government that has been lacking for many years.

The basics count in addressing Southampton’s challenges: If elected, I will work to hold the council to account for its policies and spending but to develop the core services upon which the quality of life of people in the local community depends.

Sarah Louise Wood (Liberal Democrat)

Cllr Sarah Wood is one of the three Liberal Democrat councillors for Bassett Ward. Sarah has lived in Bassett for over 30 years and her children all went to Hollybrook School. She really understands our local community. She was elected as a councillor last year and since then has worked hard standing up for local residents on Southampton City Council.

Sarah is a chartered civil engineer specialising in bridges. She is using her specialist knowledge to call for improvements to our roads and pavements and is also challenging the council’s waste and calling for better financial management of the city.

Bevois

Nadia Noreen Ditta (Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition)

After an almost 60 per cent cut in central government support for local authorities since 2010, councils are facing an unprecedented funding crisis.

Since 2021, five local authorities have issued a ‘section 114 notice’ declaring themselves unable to balance their books – in the previous 20 years only one such notice had been made. Southampton is on the brink, it is time we elect councillors who will fight to restore the £510 million cut by central government from Southampton so we can restore council jobs and services and reverse the damaging effects of austerity.

Rosanna Newey (Green Party)

Rosanna grew up in Hampshire and has lived in Southampton for 10 years with a 14-month gap in-between to live in London to work for the Green Party MP Caroline Lucas in her parliamentary office.

She believes that a properly funded public transportation network and pedestrianisation of cities are vital in order to improve both air quality and the lives of residents.

Richard Arthur Palmer (Local Conservatives)

As the Conservative candidate, Richard believes a Conservative council is the best way to keep council tax lower, to keep the streets safer by having streetlights on, and getting back on track with repair of the city’s roads.

A vote for Richard is a vote to for bringing competence back to control of the council’s finances whilst making sure the best interests of residents are looked after.

Jacqui Rayment (Labour Party)

I love this city and especially Bevois for its diversity and different cultures. I’m Southampton-born, and having had the privilege to represent Bevois for many years I have learnt so much from the people of this part of the city.

As a mother, grandmother and experienced councillor, I understand the issues families face. We’ve got anti-social behaviour, parking problems and flytipping. I will do my best for Bevois and get things done. I’m delighted to be the Labour candidate so that with your support I can continue serving local people in a role I give 100 per cent to.

Tom Wintrell (Liberal Democrat)

No response received.

Bitterne Park

Lindsi Bluemel (Green Party)

No response received.

Gordon John Cooper (Labour Party)

My background is that I’m a longstanding Southampton resident who worked as a television producer and university lecturer. I used to be a city councillor in Portswood – so I know how to get things done on the council.

I speak to Bitterne Park residents every week to make sure I’m in touch with what people need. I believe we’ve got to make sure residential roads are safe for pedestrians and keep local shopping facilities vibrant. For years, I’ve been a passionate campaigner to protect the river Itchen. I’ll be a voice for everyone fed up with Southern Water polluting it.

David Fuller (Local Conservatives)

Bitterne Park is my home, it’s where my wife and I have chosen to raise our family. As someone who lives in the area, I know that whilst Bitterne Park is a great place, there is so much we can do to make it better. From improvements to the Bitterne Park Triangle, bringing toilets to Riverside Park, to fixing our roads and pavements, we need someone to fight our corner. That is why I am seeking election, so I can be Bitterne Park’s voice on the council.

Graham Michael Henry (Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition)

Estimates vary as to what the overall funding gap for all councils might be – from between £3 billion for the 2024-2025 financial year, to £6.9 billion including the year beyond. But when even the Tory-led Hampshire County Council said in an official council report in October that “the government must intervene if we and the whole local government sector are to avoid financial meltdown”, it is beyond dispute that local public services face a crisis. Elect TUSC councillors who are prepared to fight the cuts.

Nick Myers (Liberal Democrat)

Nick Myers has lived in Townhill Park for nearly 30 years, and volunteers with local community groups working to revitalise the area. He is horrified by the mismanagement of the Townhill Park regeneration scheme and the huge impact it’s had on the local community.

“As a councillor, I will lobby housing services to get the regeneration moving. I will seek assurance that the promise that ex-tenants will receive priority in the new build will be honoured. And I will continue to work to enrich local parks and recreational spaces, and pressing for more investment in neglected areas.”

Adrian Royle (Reform UK)

No response received.

Coxford

Joanne Steve Clements (Green Party)

Joanne is a local Christian, parent, carer and community worker. Joanne is standing for:

Another Green voice on the council

More affordable housing

A better quality of life, environment and fairer society for people in Coxford

Decency and integrity in politics

Maggie Fricker (Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition)

Whenever the general election is held, the councillors that we elect in May 2024 will effectively be our communities’ negotiators with the new government – for the funding we need to protect, improve and expand our vital local public services.

But this will be against the backdrop of a funding crisis for councils, and clear signalling from all the establishment parties in parliament that the austerity squeeze on public spending will continue. It is vital we elect councillors who won’t vote for cuts and who will fight for the needs of all our communities.

Beccy Greenhalgh (Labour and Co-operative Party)

I believe residents in Coxford deserve the same attention to fixing potholes on our roads and improving poor footpaths as residents in the city centre. We should all have access to green spaces, play parks and street cleaning. When crime does occur, we should get a prompt police response.

In times where the cost of living is spiralling, we need our public services more than ever. I promise I’ll strive to protect them – our library, our bus services, our family hubs and our educational facilities.

Guy Ireland (Reform UK)

No response received.

Ellen McGeorge (Liberal Democrat)

Ellen McGeorge is originally from the USA and has lived in Hampshire for 19 years. She now lives locally in Shirley and wants to do everything she can to help improve the community that has given her such a warm welcome. She wants the council to tidy up our community spaces, and improve road safety and footpaths.

Paul James Patrick Nolan (Local Conservatives)

As the only candidate on the ballot paper with an address within Coxford ward, I seek to be a representative for others within my ward.

A Lordshill resident of 20 years, I have a strong understanding of the issues that affect our area.

Residents deserve to have a transparent straight-talking point of contact who will make them feel confident that their voices are heard at council. A councillor who will ensure that decisions that are made will always work for Aldermoor, Coxford, Lordshill and Lordswood.

I will give you that representation.

All parties were contacted through group leaders or election coordinators to request profiles. All those received have been included.