By Jason Lewis, Local Democracy Reporter and bitternepark.info

The candidates seeking to become a councillor representing Bitterne Park ward at city level have had their say ahead of the local elections on May 7.
• May 7 local elections: Meet your 2026 Portswood ward candidates

 

Seventeen of the council’s 51 seats – one in each ward – will be up for grabs and a total of 101 people have been nominated across the city.

Labour currently holds a majority with 31 councillors, while the Conservatives have nine councillors and the Liberal Democrats have seven.

There are two elected Green members, one Reform councillor and one independent.

A full set of 17 candidates have been put forward by the Conservatives, Greens, Labour, Liberal Democrats and Reform UK.

The Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition has 14 candidates and there are two independents.

How Bitterne Park voted last time

There are three councillors for the ward of Btterne Park, currently all Labour. This election is for Cllr Phil Webb's seat that's coming up for grabs this year.

There were no local elections in Southampton in 2025 as there is always a ‘gap’ in the timetable every fourth year.

In 2024 Labour retained control of the council, and the party’s Gordon Cooper won by a whisker in Bitterne Park, polling 1,634, with David Fuller for the Conservatives just 89 votes behind with 1,545 votes. Bitterne Park saw a 37.28% turnout – the highest from all wards across the city

Who’s standing this time – and what do they stand for?

Each Bitterne Park nominee for the coming election was invited to submit a 100-word profile. These are the six candidates and the responses ahead of residents going to the polls.

Lindsi Bluemel – Green Party

I have lived in Southampton for almost 40 years, 24 in Bitterne Park. If elected I would promote active and sustainable transport to benefit the health of local residents and improve air quality, including better provision for cyclists and more 20 mph roads. I would work to protect and improve the parks and green spaces in Bitterne Park and support measures to tackle pollution of the River Itchen. I would like to see support for small businesses to ensure that the Triangle continues to thrive for voluntary groups such as Friends of Riverside Park and Friends of Cobbett Road Library.

Tony Bunday – Liberal Democrats

I have lived in Bitterne Park for 28 years and have always been deeply involved in its community. I have worked hard locally to improve the environment and nature, support young people, and supporting sport and local churches.

I have previously been a councillor for two years after having a long career managing in health and social care and then running my own local business for a while.  All this gave me the experience to be an effective local councillor, achieving noticeable investment and improvements for the ward.  I hope to be as effective again for Bitterne Park.

 Nick Chaffey – Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition

There is an enormous housing crisis in Southampton with over 8,000 on the housing waiting list. Of 16,000 council properties, 9,000 don’t meet government standards. Over 600 council homes lie empty. This is after years of Tory and Labour policy of bulldozing council housing and only replacing some with social housing on higher rents. Townhill Park is an example of this disastrous approach. We call for an immediate mass programme of council house building, restoring the council direct works department with apprenticeship schemes to refurbish the empties. We need councillors who will take action now.

Trisha Chitsika – Reform UK

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.

David Fuller – Local Conservatives

My name is David Fuller and I am the Conservative Candidate for Bitterne Park for this year’s local elections. Bitterne Park is my home, it is where my wife and I have chosen to raise our family, so I am passionate about making it the best possible place to live and work. As a local resident, I understand the issues that face Bitterne Park and will work hard to make it the great place we all want it to be. For all the Bitterne Park residents reading this, I hope you will consider supporting me on Thursday, May 7.

 Phil Webb – Labour Party

I’m Phil Webb, your Labour councillor for Bitterne Park, first elected in 2023. I stood to ensure our area has active, visible and accountable representation – and that’s what I’ve delivered. I’ve worked year-round to support local businesses, protect community assets, and back volunteers and groups across the ward. I’ve taken action on issues residents raise, from playparks and litter to traffic and safer streets. As chair of the children and families scrutiny panel, I hold services to account and push for better outcomes for young people. There’s more to do, and I’m ready to keep delivering.

• May 7 local elections: Meet your 2026 Portswood ward candidates