Freemantle, Harefield, Millbrook, Peartree, Portswood, Redbridge

One seat in each of the city council’s 17 wards is being contested, meaning a third of all seats will be decided next month.

Heading into the election, the Labour group has a large majority in the chamber with 37  councillors. The Conservative group has nine councillors. There are three Liberal Democrat councillors, 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.

Freemantle

Catherine Bernadette Clarke (Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition)

Southampton Labour council should spend what’s needed – and hand the bill to the new government. It is not the case, though, that the money isn’t there. Labour’s 2019 pledge under Jeremy Corbyn to tax share dividends and capital gains at the same rate as the income tax on wages, for example, would have raised an extra £14 to £15 billion a year – enough to have met the council funding shortfall. But Sir Keir Starmer and the shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves, putting the interests of the rich and big business first, have dropped that policy, like so many other promises.

Katrina de Chazal (Reform UK)

I am a freelance carer and I am standing as a candidate to enable voters to have a democratic alternative in Freemantle. I believe in Reform UK’s manifesto and see it as a way out of the current quagmire. The Labour council have broken the budget and we need to bring them to account over their wasteful spending – your money. I want to see a reduction in antisocial behaviour, making the streets safer for the children and elderly by bringing back community police officers, let’s stop and deal with crime than talk about it.

Diana Galton (Local Conservatives)

A former special educational needs teacher, mother, and grandmother, Diana uses these experiences to really ensure we get the best for our children.

As a former Conservative councillor, she has really delivered for residents – helping hundreds of people regardless of if, or how they vote.

As a resident of Freemantle ward herself, Diana will work proactively to help better the area and make sure essential services like bin collections and fixing roads are prioritised.

Christie Lambert (Labour and Co-operative Party)

I have thoroughly enjoyed serving as Freemantle’s councillor this past year. From fixing broken street lighting to removing the unsightly phone box on Dymott Close, I have taken great pride in helping improve Freemantle, but I am also aware there is much more work to be done to make our community an even better place to live.

If you re-elect me as your local councillor, I will continue to work towards improving our road safety, tackling anti-social behaviour, and putting an end to flytipping in Freemantle.

Chris Shank (Liberal Democrat)

Chris Shank was born in Canada and moved to Southampton in 2013. He works at the University of Southampton, and volunteers locally as a squirrel scout leader.

Chris believes in investing in Southampton’s community spaces, and fixing the sorry state of our roads while providing better public transport as a viable alternative to travel around the city. If elected, he will be a champion and voice for Freemantle, and work to promote a greener and better-connected Southampton.

John Charles Thomas Spottiswoode (Green Party)

We are running out of time. We need Green political change now. If not now, when?

Vote for a clean environment, low-cost housing, insulated homes and our electric future

Vote for decency and integrity in politics

We need to act locally for Freemantle, but think more widely.

Give John Spottiswoode one of your votes on May 2.

Harefield

Chris Bluemel (Green Party)

Chris is a musician and teacher living in St Denys. He has been involved in many campaigns on the peace, the environment and social justice. Chris will seek to ensure that sustainability is at the heart of decisions on transport and planning across the city, and will never be swayed by offers of money or prestige.

Martyn Cooper (Liberal Democrat)

Martyn Cooper has been connected to Southampton all his life, and now lives in Midanbury. He is a retired systems engineer, consultant, and academic, whose career has focused on the use of technology to improve the lives of disabled people.

For the last eight years, Martyn has been disabled himself with severe arthritis. He leads a full life using a wheelchair and a mobility scooter. If elected, he would represent the concerns of the people of Harefield on the council, and promote the evolution of Southampton into a ‘smart city’.

Rob Harwood (Local Conservatives)

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.

Harefield needs councillors who are prepared to fight for our local area and that is why I am standing for election. I will always fight to ensure Harefield gets its fair share. Outside of politics, I enjoy spending time on my allotment and walking my dog Archie.

Paul Robert Kenny (Labour Party)

The reason I am standing in this election is because I believe you deserve a better deal. For too long, the voice of Harefield has not been heard and its needs have been neglected.

If elected, I promise I will be the voice for Harefield. I’ll campaign for better policing and a proper police presence, more reliable bus services and for road and footpath repairs to be carried out promptly. I will fight to get us youth activities and play areas, and I’ll work to get local fly-tipping cleaned up and to prevent it in the first place.

Barbara Webber (Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition)

Every vote for a Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC) council candidate will be the clearest possible counter-signal we can give in the May local elections – whoever ends up in Number 10, we want fighting councillors in our town halls.

Millbrook

Vikkie Cheng (Local Conservatives)

Despite falling short by 22 votes in Millbrook last year, I’ve remained committed and tirelessly worked to gain your trust. As an accountant by profession, I’m equipped to challenge Labour’s financial mismanagement of the city council. I’ll fight against Labour’s congestion-inducing road closures and proposed bus lanes on Millbrook Road West.

It is unjust for Labour to raise council tax and parking costs while cutting funds for road and pavement repairs. Millbrook needs strong opposition to Labour’s complacency. On May 2, vote for Vikkie – a dedicated, financially competent candidate who won’t let Millbrook be taken for granted.

Christian Cox (Labour Party)

I’ve lived and worked in Southampton for the past decade and currently work in healthcare research. Since being elected a councillor for Millbrook, I have been out and about in the area talking to residents and sorting out local issues – getting housing repairs sorted, potholes filled, and ensuring our open spaces are kept clean.

Looking ahead, I want to fight for larger projects to improve our area. If I have the privilege of being re-elected, I believe we can get our play areas improved and more of our locals roads resurfaced.

Richard William Fricker (Green Party)

I live in Millbrook with my wife and son. I have been an active trade unionist all my adult life.

As a Green socialist, I believe we should put people and the planet first.

We need to keep our open spaces, parks and play areas and maintain and improve their upkeep.

Council housing should be a priority through a mixture of new builds, bringing empty houses back into use, conversions and making it easier for councils to buy. All being energy efficient.

We need to bring all utilities back into public ownership for a sustainable planned green economic future.

Andrew David Howe (Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition)

The Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC) is an inclusive umbrella alliance, not an exclusive one, with its banner available to be used on the ballot paper by every working-class fighter prepared to stand up to the capitalist establishment politicians at election time.

Every trade unionist, anti-cuts campaigner, community or social movement activist, and socialists from any party or none who want to see an alternative to the establishment politicians, can become a TUSC candidate – free to also campaign, if they wish, for policies beyond our core policy platform below.

Andrew Paul Landells (Liberal Democrat)

Andrew Landells has lived in Southampton over 20 years, and works as an IT manager for the University of Southampton. Andrew is passionate about public transport and believes that Southampton deserves a more reliable, joined-up and effective transit network.

Andrew strongly believes in liberal values, and that Southampton can be better with a more principled approach than the two main parties can offer. He believes in a better Southampton that invests in local communities and where people can thrive.

Peartree

Lori Foster (Green Party)

No response received.

Tara Foster (Liberal Democrat)

Tara Foster is a newcomer to Southampton – she was born in London, and has marched her way along the south coast from East Sussex via Portsmouth to Southampton. After graduating in mechanical engineering, she entered the Royal Navy and completed two and a half years of service in a variety of theatres, such as the South China Sea and the depths of Scotland.

Tara has a strong desire to see change in the city she now calls home, and to ensure that ordinary people and minorities are consistently thought about in decision-making.

Simon Jonathan Letts (Labour and Co-operative Party)

I have a lot of experience of getting things done for local residents, having served as a councillor in Southampton for 18 years.

I believe the eastern side of the city needs investment to improve the basics we all rely on. I’ll fight for our fair share of investment wherever we can get it.

Many of us are going through tough times at the moment. We are all paying more and getting less. I promise to be on your side when you need assistance, and always to respond to your messages and calls.

Michael Marx (Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition)

TUSC is issuing a challenge to Labour councillors and candidates in the May council elections. Councils still have borrowing powers and reserves which they can use to avoid all cuts in their 2024-2025 budgets and reserves so spent could be replenished and borrowing underwritten by an incoming Starmer-led government.

But if you are not prepared to demand such a commitment from Starmer and Reeves now, what type of negotiator for our communities would you be if you were to be elected? We need socialists in our town halls, who will always put the interests of the working class first.

Susan Elizabeth Spencer (Local Conservatives)

Have lived in Southampton most of my life, being born here. Went to City College and then to what is now Solent University. I have worked for over 20 years in central Southampton for the railway. Previously was a Special Constable in Bitterne and also on the committee of 424 Air Cadet Squadron. Married to Alan since 1992.

Lived in Woolston and Peartree since we got married. Have one son who lives in Southampton. Have an elderly dog KC. Interests include reading (massive Agatha Christie fan), browsing in antique shops and collecting elephants. I also like visiting The Mayflower Theatre.

Sam Wright (Reform UK)

Work full time living in Peartree, experiencing both the ups and downs of life giving me a good perspective of life. With five years’ experience in financial services being dedicated, hardworking, and an enthusiastic character, striving for the best outcomes for all. I listen and a decisive problem solver who believes in meritocracy.

I am standing in Peartree ward to challenge and undo the mismanagement of the Labour council and the damage the Tories has brought upon us all. My priority is the constituents and constituency, to encourage the celebration of our history making Southampton great again.

Portswood

Caroline Jobson (Reform UK)

I am a former British Army veteran of 15 years’ service. A proud mother of two teenagers, I’ve embarked on a new journey as a small business owner, channelling my skills and experiences into entrepreneurship. I am standing because I am committed to serving my community and advocating for positive change.

My experiences has equipped me with an understanding of the challenges facing our area. I am passionate about making a difference, ensuring that all voices are heard. I will be a proactive working tirelessly to address local issues to enhance the quality of life for everyone.

Neil McKinnon Lyon Kelly (Green Party)

I have lived in Southampton for most of the past 50 years and I’m proud to have done. From the early days working in shipping to lately managing social care teams I have met Sotonians from all walks of life and cultures. We are blessed in the town to live by the Itchen and the Test and in reach of our Common with such a rich diversity of wildlife.

The people of our city have much to be proud of – much to look after and I intend to do just that with their help and support.

John Langran (Liberal Democrat)

John Langran believes that the first duty of a councillor is to serve local residents. As a member of the council’s Lib Dem group, he would make sure that Portswood’s views are heard. His focus is the welfare of vulnerable residents, availability of affordable housing, improving public spaces around the city and supporting residents when council services do not meet expected standards.

John has reservations about the latest iteration of proposals for the Portswood Broadway. Like his Lib Dem colleagues, he believes that any road constraining projects should be halted until we have a proper park-and-ride.

Nicholas Moulton (Local Conservatives)

I am a lifelong Southampton resident, now retired and a former pharmaceutical company national account manager.

Along with the majority of local people, I am strongly opposed to the Labour council plans to shut Portswood Broadway. This will cause huge traffic congestion in the neighbouring area, inconvenience residents and threaten shops and other businesses.

A vote for me is a vote to stop this ideologically driven Labour scheme and vote for common sense. I am campaigning to fix the city’s roads and pavements, to switch the streetlights back on at night and for the bins to be collected on time.

John Savage (Labour Party)

I am committed to economic, social and environmental justice. As the experienced Portswood councillor, I work tirelessly to help local residents with problems and being a voice when they’re not listened to. I get things done for Portswood, Highfield and St Denys.

I also fight for our environment. I have saved great numbers of trees from being felled in Marlhill Copse, conducted a big inquiry into protecting the river Itchen, and spent the last year bringing about the Southampton Citizens’ Climate Assembly. Environmental justice is in everything I do.

Tony Twine (Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition)

The backing given by Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour Party to Israel’s barbarous war on the Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank and elsewhere – meekly following the Tory government’s lead – is another indication of what we can expect from them in office. If they won’t protest against the destruction of Gaza, its people firstly but also the infrastructure essential to a functioning society, what confidence can we have that they will fight to protect local services, jobs, wages and benefits here?

Redbridge

John Peter Edwards (Reform UK)

I am standing in Redbridge ward because most people are fed up with both Labour and Conservative parties and so do not bother to vote. This is because nothing changes in Redbridge ward, while Labour pursues failed city of culture bids.

Redbridge ward neighbourhoods are neglected in favour of anti-motorist measures and the closing off of residential and shopping areas across the city. I will be demanding the council makes greater efforts to attract new business and employment opportunities to make Southampton a great place to live and work again.

Lisa Marie Fricker (Green Party)

I was born and grew up in Southampton, I currently live in Millbrook with son and husband. I was a childminder for the last 16 years.

I have been involved in politics and focus groups in the city for many years.

I believe in a sustainable future for people and the planet. This should involve bringing the utilities into public ownership and universal basic income and services. We need to keep all our open spaces, parks and play areas and maintain and improve their upkeep.

Please vote for me, Lisa Fricker, on May 2.

Eugene McManus (Labour Party)

I spent 13 years as licensee of The Saints Pub, turning it from a known problem venue into a community hub and am chairman of Millbrook Football Club.

I will be working to secure more investment for and to work with the community on what that investment should be for. I’d like to take up the challenge of representing Redbridge and Millbrook to continue to work for our area.

I guarantee my commitment to this community. I will always listen and if elected, I won’t shy away from any challenges you ask for my help with.

Dave Smith (Local Conservatives)

An Armed Forces veteran, local business owner who has been living in the Redbridge ward for over 20 years. Aware of our local issues I am committed to representing your voice with integrity, honesty and accountability.

With a deep understanding of our local challenges and opportunities, I know what needs to be done.

I hope to provide solutions and a fresh perspective on the problems brought by the current administration. Working hard to improve the local infrastructure, parking, refuse collections, potholes and roads. I will be your tireless advocate, working tirelessly to make our community a better place for all.

Simon David Stokes (Liberal Democrat)

Simon Stokes has been an active campaigner in Southampton for many years, and he’s been the Liberal Democrat candidate for Redbridge since 2010. He works locally in media production and as a Southampton Football Club steward.

He said: “As the Conservative government lurches from one scandal to another, and Labour struggles to balance the books, empty the bins, and provide the services we need here in Southampton, it has never been more vital hold them both to account.

“The Lib Dems are already doing that in Southampton, but we need more councillors to really challenge Labour on the council.”

Pete Wyatt (Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition)

We reject council tax, rent and service charge increases for working-class people to make up for cuts in central funding, support a new redistributive revenue-raising system to finance local council services, and demand central government restores the cuts in funding imposed since 2010.

We oppose the sale of council land, parks and our assets to fill the deficit the Tory cuts of caused. The one per cent should be made to pay for the funding our local council needs.

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