City Council Elections May 7th 2026
Time for change - Time for Reform UK
This year, one third of the council is up for election, with each ward electing one councillor from the candidates standing across the political parties. Below, you can find your Reform UK candidate for your local ward.
Labour have broken Southampton
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One of the most common things we hear on the doorstep is simple, people feel the council doesn’t listen.
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Consultations come and go, but decisions are often already made. Residents are asked for their views, then ignored when it matters.
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A clear example is the proposed local government reorganisation. Many residents are concerned about the cost and being tied to neighbouring councils with significant debt, yet it is still being pushed forward.
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Southampton has already needed financial support from central government, yet spending decisions continue to raise serious questions. Large-scale purchases and ongoing borrowing show a council that is struggling to get control of its finances.
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Schemes like “Pride in Place” highlight the problem. Improving some areas is welcome, but it also shows how others have been neglected for years.
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Housing is another major failure. Poor management of council housing has contributed to rising numbers in temporary accommodation, with over 400 households affected. At the same time, new charges are being introduced for residents in supported housing.
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There are also basic questions around competence. The council is now asking residents to report empty properties. Most people would expect this to be identified through its own records.
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On transport, current policies have frustrated residents and local businesses alike. Roads have been altered without clear benefit, creating congestion and confusion.
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Reform UK will take a different approach. We will listen to residents, focus on getting the basics right, and manage public money properly.
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Right Roads. Right Speeds. Right Decisions.
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Pause unnecessary road changes and review what is not working.
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Restore sensible speed limits on key routes.
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Plan properly, not reactively.
Southampton is a proud British city, and it deserves leadership that respects its people, its communities, and its future.
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Below are our candidates, a strong and representative group from across Southampton. They are stepping forward to speak for local people and to bring accountability back to the council​.
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You too can show your support for Reform UK by displaying one of our corex boards. (See below) Tough, durable and weather resistant, they are perfect for the garden, a wall or a window. Southampton residents can order via our contact page. Feel free to make a small voluntary donation.
You candidate to vote for on 7th May is below
After a long and fruitful process of sifting through applicants wishing to become a Reform UK candidate, we are proud to present our 17 candidates. "We are not here to make up the numbers, we are here to win".
Banister & Polygon
I will prioritise residents above bureaucratic or political interests. Southampton possesses significant strengths, but recent decisions have not been value for families, communities and our City. I want reform, accountability, transparency, and pragmatic solutions.
Working in data and operational delivery, recognising the necessity of evidence-based decision-making and robust outcomes often lacking within government. I want to improve the reliability of public transport, our roads, and City-wide mobility City. I will be accessible, listen, challenge ineffective decisions, and communicate with integrity. I want to restore trust in politics by focusing on delivering meaningful outcomes for you the taxpayers.
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Email Toriola: coker4banisternpolygon@gmail.com
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Bassett - Kurosh Shadmand
I’m standing to represent Bassett because residents deserve a council focused on practical priorities that improve everyday life. That means properly repairing potholes and pavements and keeping our streets cleaner through stronger enforcement against fly-tipping and casual littering. I support more civil enforcement officers to ensure rules are followed, including action against cars and motorbikes that exceed legal noise limits. Bassett’s fantastic green spaces must also be protected and improved, while supporting wildlife through simple measures such as hedgehog highways and swift bricks. As a Reform UK councillor, I will focus on common-sense action to keep our community clean, peaceful and well cared for.
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Email KJ : kj4bassett@gmail.com
Bargate - Kevin Masters
I am married, have a fantastic family, and have lived and worked in Southampton for over 30 years with the Ambulance and Blood Transfusion services. After leaving Labour, I’m seeking re-election as Councillor. As a disabled advocate, I supported opening The Shop Mobility Centre, now moved to West Quay with additional charges. My goals are to make Southampton a better place to shop and visit, and to improve road systems like the Bus Gate at Portland Terrace.
I believe Reform is needed for real change in our Ward and City.
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Email Kevin: kevinmaster@hotmail.co.uk
​​Kevin's Facebook:
Bevois - Dionysios Steas
I studied in Greece and the UK to become a dentist in 2003 and have lived in Southampton since. I strongly believe in British values that legal immigrants like my self-trusted many years ago when they decided to relocate here and Reform UK holds these values strongly. I am keen to see people’s needs are met first, that we take actions and are accountable to the public we serve. Naturally health issues are important, and we must ensure we strive for the best standards for the people of Southampton.
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Email Dennis : dennis4bevois@gmail.com
Bitterne Park - Trisha Chitsika
Trisha Chitsika. I have been a CEO for 23 years, growing my business across two counties and building strong relationships with local communities. By listening to their concerns, I aim to meet their needs and strengthen community ties. Reform ensures the community's voices are heard. NHS and healthcare need better use of funds, especially for dementia care and research, to address Britain's aging population. Developing leisure centres for young people helps them gain life skills and reduces crime. As a councillor I fully support small businesses by prioritizing local contracts before awarding them to larger companies. I aim to serve.
Email Trish:
Coxford - Philip Crook
Philip Served in the Army for 33 years, educated at St Georges School Swaythling, Richard Taunton College and RMA Sandhurst. Retired as a Lieutenant Colonel then involved in business. A busy grandfather, politics, and supporting Saints. I support Army Charities and will make dealing with homeless vets a priority. We need actions not words to deal with the roads, HMOs, clean up our streets, better police presence and improve the City’s economy, the key driver for better services. As with the core principles of Reform UK, I will put you, your family, your community, our City and country foremost.
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Email Philip: philip4coxford@gmail.com
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Freemantle - Philip Small
I served in the Army and have over 50 years of working experience within the UK and abroad. Southampton is now my home, and I am keen to see real change in how our city is governed and managed. We need to improve our quality of life and that is achievable by increasing the money in your pockets by cutting waste and meaningless projects. I believe that Reform’s common-sense proposals will expedite the changes that are needed for our families and communities. As your councillor I will engage with you and do my utmost to resolve the issues confronting us.
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Email Phil: reform4freemantle@gmail.com
Millbrook - Ross Mould
I care about my city, but it's facing serious decline with dirty, unsafe streets, unreliable bin collections, reduced public services, many student blocks that don't suit the area, neglected parks, and unrepaired council garages. As your Councillor, I'll bring fresh determination and practical, people-first policies to help our community recover and thrive. We can achieve this by focusing on people needs, helping local business, and having pragmatic rather the ideological driven policies. Let us put our communities and people first.
Email Ross: ross4millbrook@gmail.com
Harefield - Stefan Piatkiewicz
I began my construction career as a carpenter in 1972 and finished after 40 years running my own company. With experience in both construction and business, I value the importance of small businesses to our community. We must build more quality homes in suitable locations, maintain council housing for British residents, and ensure planning laws encourage progress rather than hinder it. Reducing bureaucracy in road and street repairs is also crucial. As your Councillor, my priority and duty will be serving residents and supporting the economic development our city desperately needs.
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Email Richard: richard4harefild@gmail.com
Peartree - Soham Bandyopadhyay
I support Reform UK because public services must work for the people. As an NHS doctor, I see the consequences of high spending with poor delivery: long waits, staff burnout, and declining outcomes. Reform UK’s focus on honesty, value for money, controlled migration, and national capability aligns with my professional experience. I am deeply concerned about child safeguarding and public health harms linked to organised crime. I want policies that actively bring communities together, reduce parallel societies, and strengthen cohesion across Southampton and the Ward.
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Email Soham: soham4peartree@gmail.com
Portswood - David Chapman
I live locally with my family and have three children all in a local nursery or Hollybrook School. I have 17 years’ experience in business, and I want to use this knowledge to encourage sound financial management of the council. I am keen to make sure the council supports local people with the cost of living as a priority by keeping bills down and ensuring Council money is spent on the needs of voters. As your councillor we need to support our businesses in Portswood to help them grow and develop which is at the heart of any local economy.
Redbridge Ward - John Edwards
Redbridge Ward has been left neglected for too long compared to other parts of the city when it comes to spending on improvements to infrastructure and the wellbeing of residents. Road and pathway cleaning / maintenance is of a poor standard. Traffic management is sorely lacking as is the level of police patrols that cannot cope with the levels of violent / sex crimes which are higher than average. There are too many empty homes and too many homes in need of repairs. Labour has a notably dreadful record on housing as one of the worst in the country. Parents with young children are concerned over 'woke' teaching materials and in some cases, the quality of education and management of schools and their funds. Reform UK offer experience and and practical policies to run city services where Labour are failing miserably.
Email: john4redbridge@gmail.com
Shirley - Paul Chance
I have always been interested in politics, appreciating its positively. However, since Labour assumed power, I believe this positivity has diminished. Educated at Bellemoor School I have lived in Shirley for the last 33 years, so I understand the local issues. My work experience has been in the retail management sector. I support Reform because I am committed to restoring common sense to our daily lives. Strong leadership and clear direction are essential, dedicated to assisting local businesses in their growth. I am passionate about mental health, and making meaningful contributions to the community is my highest priority.
I also have a keen interest in wildlife and animals welfare.
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Email Paul: paul4shirley@hotmail.com
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Sholing -Sarah Marie Powell-Vaughan
​"I'm seeking re-election as a Councillor for Southampton City Council with Reform UK, because local people in Sholing deserve to be listened to and properly represented.
I bring over 25 years of leadership and management experience, including leading customer service operations across the South Coast and South West with First Group.
Since being elected in 2019, I have worked hard to support residents, stand up on local issues and deliver real results for the community where I live and raised my family. Alongside this, I've supported local charities including the Southampton Children's Play Association, Thorner's Homes and a local food pantry.
I will continue to stand up for Sholing, support local people and get things done".
Sarah's email: sarah4sholing@gmail.com
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Swaythling - Bruce Robinson
I’m standing as the Reform candidate for Swaythling because I believe politics needs more people who’ve lived and worked in the real world. I spent ten years in the Royal Navy as a bomb disposal diver, followed by another decade working offshore in the oil and gas industry as a commercial diver, as well as working in private security across the Middle East and Africa. Today I run my own small business, which has given me a clear understanding of the pressures facing independent companies. I believe small and medium-sized businesses deserve real support to rebuild our high streets with strong, family-run businesses, and that practical voices from outside politics should be represented in Westminster.
TikTok - brucerobinsondiver
Instagram - brucerobinsondiver
Email Bruce - bruce4swaythling@gmail.com
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Woolston - Ryan Collett
Residents are asked to pay more while poor decisions are made. Portswood Bus Gate is an example, an expensive trial which was not supported, which reduced footfall and increased congestion. I have been dedicated to supporting vulnerable people in our community. I now work in business development focused on reducing costs and improving efficiency. I have a strong understanding of how social services operate across the City, particularly in Children’s and Adult Social Services, focused on better outcomes and better use of public funds. I will bring this expertise to help our City and you the voters.
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Email Ryan: ryan4woolston@gmail.com
Thornhill - Tim Kiff-Munds
I was born in Kent and moved to Southampton in 2017. I married my husband in 2014. We’re dog lovers with four of our own, and have two older children. I believe in respect, honesty, strong work values and common sense. My background spans retail management, hospitality, entertainment and leisure, and the NHS - where I worked as a Healthcare Assistant in neurological rehabilitation and paediatrics. As a councillor, I want to help deliver real change for our ward by listening to residents, and pushing for practical, common-sense improvements that make our community a better place to live.
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Email Tim: tim4thornhill@gmail.com