Candidates seeking election to Eastleigh Borough Council have given their views ahead of residents casting their votes on May 2.

There are 14 wards in the borough of Eastleigh represented by 39 councillors and there will be elections in all except West End North and West End South.

There are 50 candidates standing in total for the following parties: 10 Labour, 12 Conservatives, 12 Liberal Democrats, 11 Green, two Independents, two Reform UK, and one Labour and Co-operative.

Currently, there are 35 Liberal Democrats, one Conservative and three Independent group councillors who make up the borough council.

Fair Oak and Horton Heath

Steve Broomfield (Conservative) (no picture)

Having lived in Fair Oak for 23 years I was appalled to see the lack of accountability involved in the One Horton Heath project and was fortunate enough to be elected in 2021. Since then I have worked hard to represent the interests of local people and keep residents informed. 

As the only non-LD on the planning committee, I’m the only councillor keeping residents informed.

Our daughters went to school and grew up in Fair Oak. My wife and I are fully involved in the local community. It’s been a pleasure and a privilege to represent our community.

Rico Clay (Lib Dem)

Rico is standing as a candidate because he loves where he lives and wants to give back to the community by helping others where I can. He loves live music, going to the gym, and is currently in the throes of renovating a motor home.

Ben David Parry (Green)

No response recieved.

Alison Phillips (Labour)

Alison is a resident of the borough since 1986 and has raised her family in the borough, she brings a wealth of experience regarding education and has volunteered locally at a local charity.

“I believe in Eastleigh as we have a great community and want to see us all enjoy Eastleigh and Fair oak and if elected, I will push for improvements as described in our local manifesto which incidentally Eastleigh Labour are the only local party to have a detailed plan.”

“I enjoy walking and cycling and a great advocate of the National Cycle Network (NCN) and is superb low traffic routes throughout the County, I recently completed a lifelong ambition of walking part of the great wall of China which was a humbling experience.”

Hamble and Netley

Steph Arnold (Conservative)

No response recieved.

Malcolm Robert Cross (Lib Dem)

Malcolm is an experienced councillor and campaigner, serving his community in Hamble for many years. Malcom is standing again to continue working to oppose the Hamble Airfield gravel site and ensure that Hamble and Netley continues to have a strong voice standing up for the area.

Simon James Hand (Independent)

No response recieved.

Phil Horton (Green)

No response recieved.

Geoff Kosted (Labour)

No response recieved.

Hedge End North

Geoff Budd (Labour)

No response recieved.

Glynn Fleming (Green)

No response recieved.

Derek Roy Pretty (Lib Dem)

Derek has served Hedge End since 2002, working on issues big and small on behalf of residents. He is a former mayor of Eastleigh.

Chris Yates (Conservative)

I have lived in Hedge End all my adult life. I have watched the areas change from small villages to almost one sprawling town. Where have the green fields gone? We all know the answer to that; Eastleigh Borough Council’s overdevelopment strategy.

I honestly believe it is time for change but the only way to do that is to remove the councillors that are currently in post and this coming election is the ideal opportunity to do this. The Conservatives are the only party that have a realistic chance of beating the Lib Dems. This will only happen if people get out and vote and are vocal.

Hedge End South

Keith Day (Labour)

No response recieved.

Jerry Hall (Conservative)

He has lived in Hedge End for over 50 years and is a local business owner. He was previously a borough and town councillor and has always fought hard against over-development.

Jerry is the local Neighbourhood Watch coordinator and vice chair QE2 centre. He is widowed with two daughters.

He says: “I am standing against the Lib Dem leader who has got Eastleigh Borough Council into £600m debt. It is time for a change, for Eastleigh Borough Council to be held to account for their attitude to spending our money. “

Keith House (Lib Dem)

Keith is one of the most experienced councillors in the borough, serving for over 30 years, most of that as council leader. In his spare time, he can be found travelling the world, adventuring to places most tourists don’t go, including Afghanistan and North Korea.

Geoff Skinner (Green)

No response recieved.

Hiltingbury

Karl Joseph Attrill (Lib Dem)

Karl worked in the technology sector before retiring and throwing himself into volunteering. Among other things, he volunteers at the 4th Chandler’s Ford Scouts and has supported The Hilt Social Committee to put on events for the area. He has lived with his family in Hiltingbury for 22 years.

Alastair Dilworth (Labour)

I’m Alistair, and I’m standing to be the Labour councillor for Hiltingbury in this year’s local elections. Our positive vision for Eastleigh would improve our local environment, make our area a safer place to live, and tackle crime and anti- social behaviour in the town.

The Lib Dems and Tories don’t publish a programme of what they’d do if they were elected, but Labour’s local manifesto is transparent about what we’d do if our councillors were elected to Eastleigh Borough Council.

Bote for me in this year’s local elections will help us turn our town around. The work we have already done with a Labour majority on Boyatt Wood Town Council and with the Labour group on Eastleigh Town Council has begun our programme of change, and we can continue that on Eastleigh Borough Council with your vote.

Rich House (Green)

No response recieved.

Albie Slawson (Conservative)

He has lived in Chandlers Ford since 1976.

Albie says: “Both my children attended Toynbee School. After retiring from a career in the local construction industry, I have been involved with a charity that provides for disadvantaged local children. If elected I would strive to promote greater community pride and involvement in local projects, whilst also ensuring greater financial accountability.

There are many challenges ahead, particularly those of climate change, and the effect on the environment must be at the forefront of planning for the future.”