Bitterne Park has a total of 11 candidates standing from five parties and one independent.

The breakdown is three Labour, three Conservative, three Liberal Democrat, one Green, one TUSC and one independent.

If no statement was received the candidate has “no comment” under their name.

You can find a list of all the candidates standing in each ward here.

Here is what the candidates are saying:

Amanda Jane Barnes-Andrews – Labour

“Bitterne Park is my home. I have lived and worked in Southampton and know the city well. Bitterne Park is a great place to live but there are always improvements to be made. If elected, I would make opportunities to listen to residents so that their views are properly represented.”

Lindsi Bluemel – Greens

“Lindsi has lived in Southampton for over 30 years, has studied at both Southampton and Solent universities and worked in the public, private and charitable sectors. She has been involved in a variety of community activities including Southampton Cycling campaign and the Friends of Cobbett Road Library and is a member of The City of Southampton Society. She has five grown up children and if elected she would work to protect and enhance the environment and ecology of the city, to improve cycle provision and public transport and to provide better support for small businesses.”

Tony Bunday – Labour

“I have lived in this ward for 25 years. I love living and working here and work hard to make it the best it can be. I am particularly committed to the local environment, to enhancing the life chances of our young people, and improving the safety of residents.”

Kathryn Chapman – Liberal Democrats

“Kathryn works at Southampton General Hospital and lives in the city with her husband and two children. In the 15 years she’s lived in Southampton, she’s seen the city grow and change, and she’s committed to making it thrive. She’s passionate about education, and as a school governor, she knows firsthand the importance of education and the challenges faced by local schools. If elected, Kathryn will work with local residents to make our community an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.”

Ben Curd – Liberal Democrats 

“Ben grew up just outside Southampton, so he spent much of his time in the city before finally moving here seven years ago. He is proud to live here, but every community has its own unique set of challenges. He sees a lot of posturing but little action from the main two parties, and wants to change that. His political campaigning is driven by listening to local residents, understanding their concerns and finding solutions. Among other priorities, he wants to see much more done to tackle homelessness and substance misuse within the city.”

David John Fuller – Conservatives

“Bitterne Park is my home, it’s where my wife and I have chosen to raise our family. Representing my local area has been a privilege and since being elected in 2015 I have strived to do all I can to help make it better. Resolving local issues, securing funding and improvements for our area and representing local people are a few of things I have been able to do in the last few years. I hope, with the support of local residents, to do even more if re-elected.”

Rob Harwood – Conservatives

“I was first elected in Bitterne Park in 2018 and served four years as a councillor. I’ve called Southampton home for over 55 years and I’m passionate about the place we live in and want our city to prosper, for the benefit of all who live here. One of my proudest achievements was helping to bring forward the removal of wrecks and illegally moored vessels from the river around Bitterne Manor and helping hundreds of local residents with their issues and concerns. Outside of politics I enjoy spending time on my allotment and walking my dog Archie.”

David Thomas Kelly – Independent

“My name is Dave and I am a father of four, an ex-self-employed flooring fitter, a current construction teacher, an allotment holder, dog walker, vehicle user, cash user and an upholder of rights and freedoms.

I want the people of Bitterne Park’s thoughts on council matters so that decisions aren’t made on only Political Party priorities and will take the needs of constituents into account.

I stand against net zero plans that will disadvantage local self-employed and essential workers. Net-zero uses penalties to gain low-zero car use using 15/20-minute city, which is hurting places like Oxford today.”

Nicholas Martyn Myers – Liberal Democrats

“Nick has lived around Bitterne Park for over 30 years and raised his family here. He regularly volunteers in the local community: making mosaics for the Mosaic Way, clearing Cutbush Hidden Pond and as a Scout leader. As a member of a prominent local community group, he helped select the final options for Townhill Green. He feels there is a lot to celebrate about Bitterne Park, but he wants to make it even better. If elected, he would make sure graffiti is cleared quickly, and hold the Council to account for the inexcusable delays and impact of the Townhill Park regeneration.”

Dawn Marie Strutt – Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition

“I have lived in Southampton since I was old enough to vote and since that time have voted with a heavy heart because no party or person truly represented how I felt politically. Until I met the socialists. Now I vote with confidence for TUSC candidates, knowing they share my moral compass and are determined to change society so it truly works. Now I stand with them in solidarity, determined to be elected onto our Southampton City Council to fight the slashes to public services that the Conservatives and the Labour Party so cruelly and frequently impose. Bitterne is my home and yours. Let’s protect our community together.”

Phil Webb – Labour

“I have lived in Bitterne Park since 2014, having originally moved to the city over 20 years ago. I am an experienced secondary school teacher and father of two, I am also an active member of various community-based groups. Invested in the future of our local area, I am motivated to keep working towards a greener, safer and fairer city.”

Ivan William White – Conservatives

“I’ve been a councillor for Bitterne Park since 2004 and in that time it’s been my honour to help improve Bitterne Park. One of the things I am most proud of it securing the installation of the MUGA on Riverside Park and helping improve the area for our young people. I am passionate about adult social care, especially supporting those with learning disabilities. I also constantly highlight the lack of facilities on the east of the city especially that of health. I also enjoy gardening, reading and trying to support the Saints!”