Your guide to candidates in the Portsmouth area

Portsmouth goes to the polls in the local elections tomorrow - one seat in each of the city’s 14 wards is up for grabs. Here is your guide to all of the candidates

St Jude

David Chandler (Conservatives) Born and bred in Portsmouth, David lived in St Jude Ward, in Chelsea Road and Waverley Road, throughout his teens into his mid-20s. He attended Portsmouth University, gained Open University qualifications and has had a busy employment career, mostly working in finance and project management. A committed family man with traditional Conservative values, David is a real go-getter, here to listen and ready to speak up for all residents on issues such as anti-social behaviour, getting tough with dangerous cyclists and e-scooter riders, supporting independent businesses and holding the council to account for spending your money.

Graham Heaney (Labour) Graham Heaney has been a Labour councillor for St Jude ward since May 2019.

As Labour’s spokesperson for Traffic and Transportation he works to ensure Portsmouth City Council responds adequately to all transport, traffic and safety issues.

Graham serves on the scrutiny management panel, the health overview & scrutiny panel and the housing & social care scrutiny panel. He is also the treasurer for the council Labour group. Graham’s external appointments include the Langstone Harbour Board, the Farlington Marshes Management Committee and the Transport Liaison Group. Outside of council roles, Graham is a Portsmouth University lecturer in politics and public policy.

Harry Mallinder (Green) No biography provided

Martin Northern (Lib Dems)

I am a proud Southsea local who runs a small design and IT company in Southsea, providing essential services to local primary schools. I am a trustee at Southsea Skatepark, where I help young people engage in positive activities whilst chasing their Olympic aspirations.

I’m keen to bring Palmerston

Road back to life and have made progress working with the council to force the Debenhams building owners to move forward with development plans.

I am known for my friendly and approachable personality.

I am eager to represent the St Jude community interests on the council and make Southsea an even better place to live.

Richard Peckham (Portsmouth Independents)

I’m Richard Peckham, I’m a local man born in Portsmouth. I’ve lived most of my life in our beautiful city and I now reside in St Jude, I also own Sherlock’s Bar. Southsea is my home and I care about what happens here. I’m frustrated by a number of matters in Southsea. An independent councillor is a must – a local man to influence local matters without having any other influences.

I’m not interested in the arguing and squabbling between political parties or parties trying to score points. An independent person with a real life in Southsea is the answer.

St Thomas

Chris Attwell (Lib Dems)

I am the councillor for St

Thomas Ward which covers Old Portsmouth, Somers Town and Southsea.

Residents know me for successfully campaigning to reintroduce, and improve bus services to Old Portsmouth. I frequently attend local community events and work closely with the residents’ team involved in the redevelopment of the council flats on the former Horatia and Leamington Houses sites.

Following overwhelming public support for Castle Road to be pedestrianised, I am working hard to ensure the project is delivered by the council. In addition to being a ward councillor, I am cabinet member for communities and central services at the city council.

I have been campaigning for more GPs and dentists for the city and would consider it an honour to continue to serve local people.

Edward Batterbury (Labour) Edward is proud to have been born in Portsmouth into a family with a long history of living and working in the city, and an extended family with links to the armed forces, which drove his interest in veteran welfare.

His work in the city’s housing and care field reflects his desire to make a difference in the areas of health – he campaigned locally with a patient voice group over access to dentistry – and social care in the city.

Edward’s volunteer role with a charity supporting race equality has enabled him to celebrate Portsmouth’s rich diversity, another passion of his.

Elliott Lee (Green)

Fresh politics, done differently, that’s why I’m standing. More then half my life I’ve witnessed funding being slashed in our communities impacting young people with disabilities like me. I have felt the impact of these careless decisions and have had enough who could blame me for wanting to represent my generation across Portsmouth?

Having a disability and working in social care, I know we can do more in our city to empower communities to access the green spaces and basic services that are so vital to our wellbeing.

As an activist who is passionate about social justice, environmental protection, and community harmony I am a candidate that will fight to ensure we have a city that works for us all.

George Miles (Portsmouth Independents)

I’m George Miles and for the longest time I’ve felt that Portsmouth City Council has ignored the concerns of its constituents and instead put its priorities on bickering and following party whip. As someone who fiercely believes in democracy, I can ensure that a vote for me is a vote for independents and a vote for independents is a vote for the people.

Paul Sweeney (Conservatives) A long-time resident of St Thomas Ward, Paul Sweeney was born and bred in Portsmouth. He has worked in HM Dockyard and for the Royal Mail, and been the landlord of a popular city pub. Now he is a taxi driver, working throughout the community.

As a committed campaigner and previous council candidate, Paul is offering a strong, honest, straight-talking voice to take residents and businesses forward, supporting policies of reducing anti-social behaviour, especially drug-related crime and irresponsible e-scooter riding, helping independent businesses to thrive and pushing for action on improving health and care provision for all.

Hilsea

Mariam Daniel (Labour)

Mariam (otherwise known as Mazzy Dee) moved to Portsmouth as a student and decided to make her home here.

She’s worked in a wide range of roles, including the National Citizenship Service, as an educator and an entertainer, which has given her insight into how best to help the community. She wants to support people in Hilsea to be able to live decent lives.

Mariam says: ‘People need to know who can help them, and councillors need to be seen as advocates to help people’s voices and concerns be heard and addressed. That’s why I’m standing as a candidate for Hilsea.’

Emma Murphy (Green)

I’ve lived in Portsmouth my whole life, so I’ve seen many citizens who are frustrated with the lack of sustainability and environmental protections in the city. This includes my dad, who lobbied for a recycling scheme in his office and had to complete the task on his own, after hours, for no extra pay for well over 10 years. He’s an inspiration and there are many unsung heroes in our city who are doing the same.

Things have got better in many ways since the mid-2000s, but we still have a long way to go.

If elected to the city council, I would champion a cleaner city with better recycling, a stringent air quality action plan, and better facilities for the people of Portsmouth.

The people of Portsmouth deserve a cleaner, greener city and a Green councillor would go a long way to making that a reality.

Scott Payter-Harris (Conservatives)

Portsmouth born and bred, Scott has represented Hilsea since 2015, having previously lived and worked in the area. The family business is still trading in Hilsea after 30 years.

Scott has ensured Hilsea has got better CCTV provision in trouble hotspots for anti social behaviour and flytipping across the ward. He’s also been out with the police several times as part of his work to combat anti social behaviour in Hilsea. His work has also seen him recently secure funds to refurbish play parks and ensure the protection of Alexandra

Park from unauthorised encampments.

Scott has led the way on campaigning to ensure pharmacy provision remains in Hilsea.

Scott believes council tax should be kept low and will continue to fight for better services in Hilsea.

Emily Strudwick (Portsmouth Independents)

I’ve always been passionate about helping local people.

Hilsea is an area close to my heart. It has so much to offer. Amazing dog walks in Foxes Forest, Hilsea Lines and sports centres etc.

For too long, however, Hilsea hasn’t had strong local representation and that is why I wanted to stand to help the local community improve and grow. Too many issues, like anti-social behaviour and HMOs, are getting worse and no one seems to be making a stand. I want to be that person for Hilsea.

Peter Williams (Lib Dems)

I have lived in Portsmouth my whole life and Hilsea for the last 20 years. I spent several years serving as a special constable based at Cosham, supporting the community to make our streets safer.

I am standing as a candidate for Hilsea because I believe the city is best served by a Liberal Democratcontrolled Portsmouth City Council.

In these local elections, use your vote to elect a strong local champion who can be at the heart of decision-making in the city in the Lib Dem team leading the city council – and send the government a message about their Partygate double standards, sleaze and cost of living crisis.

Milton

Sarah Gilbert (Green)

This past year has clearly highlighted the importance of a strong community and better investment in local government. As a Milton resident for 20 years, I am concerned about air pollution levels, lack of affordable housing, recycling rates and the protection of our green spaces.

We need to improve public transport and establish much safer walking and cycling routes in the area. A cleaner, greener environment will help to improve the health and wellbeing of residents.

There are some significant planned developments in this area, including new housing at the St James’ Hospital site, a new leisure centre at Bransbury Park and the Aquind interconnector cable. Residents’ views on these projects must be heard and full consideration given to the environmental impact and the needs of the community.

I am committed to helping Portsmouth achieve a more sustainable future.

Gemma Hammond (Portsmouth Independents)

I’m Gemma Hammond, and as a local business owner, in Milton, I decided I wanted to stand to make my community a better place. Milton is an amazing place with lots of parks, businesses and high streets.

I am concerned, but supportive, over the proposed new large-scale leisure facility being built in the area and would like to oversee this process to ensure we get the best available value for money for the local residents.

I’m also passionate about the environment and sustainability.

Paula Ann Savage (Labour)

Paula, born and brought up in Milton where she still lives with her two teenage children, studied music at South Downs College and after a career as a performing artist went on to complete a degree and masters in fashion and textiles at Portsmouth University. She currently teaches music and works in renewable energy.

A co-leader of the Stop Aquind campaign, Paula is passionate about serving the needs of her community – she wants to see a Milton where everyone can thrive; where businesses are supported and people can access the services they need: affordable housing, green spaces and clean air.

Jack Smith (Conservatives)

Jack is a third-year student at the University of Portsmouth, his home town. As well as pursuing his academic studies, he has been active in party politics and helping community organisations for a number of years.

Portsmouth North MP Penny Mordaunt has endorsed Jack’s record of commitment and passion. She said: ‘I’ve been impressed by Jack’s work to support small businesses locally and his drive to get things done. He’s a true grafter and cares deeply about his community.

Please give Jack your support on May 4 and vote Conservative.’

Gerald Vernon-Jackson (Lib Dems) I have served as councillor for Milton and Eastney for 20 years and leader of the council for 15 years. I have also been a governor at Milton Park and Meon Junior schools and am a trustee of the New Theatre Royal.

I have helped a great deal of residents in Milton and across Portsmouth with issues ranging from graffiti, to housing issues. The work I’m most proud of includes finding £250,000 to fund the fight against Aquind, forcing the owner of Debenhams in Southsea to bring it back into use, making Portsmouth Port the first carbon neutral port in England and securing a new pool, sports centre and GP surgery at Bransbury.

I would be honoured to continue to serve the residents of Milton.

Rachel Zimmer (Reform UK)

A local business woman who grew up on Eastney Naval

Estate. Leaving Priory school, worked within Knight & Lee and Littlewoods. Voluntary work for The Salvation Army, the Rowans and the British Heart Foundation, supporting the people who really needed it.

An ex-landlady of the White

House & Shepherds Crook, being involved in local issues was nothing new, just some livelier than others. I want to tackle the menace of escooters, both private rental users, to monitor additional traffic and parking issues that the proposed leisure centre in Bransbury Park could cause. ‘Putting the unity back into our community’.

Nelson

Nick Doyle (Trade Union and Socialist Coalition)

Council tax, rents and bills are going up for everyone while our wages are falling and funding is cut for roads, schools and the NHS. Cuts are destroying our communities.

We need to elect councillors who will stand up to the cuts and fight to restore the funding we need to fix our roads and provide youth centres for our young and care for the elderly.

Robin Head (Labour)

Robin is a trained teacher and now works as an official of the National Education Union supporting teachers in difficulty.

As a teacher, he worked with agencies supporting some of the most deprived children. He has made many visits to Parliament to highlight issues affecting schools, children and families.

He views schools as important community hubs where people can come together and has seen first hand how this can be a force for good in areas such as Nelson.

Robin sees the work of a councillor as vital in helping to shape such communities.

Lee Hunt (Lib Dems)

Politically, my focus is on social fairness and green issues like transport and sewage. As a city councillor I’ve served Portsmouth residents for 22 years and lived here over 40. Dad was a shop steward at Pirelli Cables, mum a shop worker.

Joining Hampshire police as a cadet, I attended Fareham Technical College. As a policeman North End, Stamshaw, Buckland and Tipner were my beat and four years ago residents there elected me as their Nelson ward local councillor.

My interests include art deco ceramics; creating a successful restoration business.

Nowadays, I help run our family Southsea bistro/bar and work hard supporting Stamshaw and Tipner Community Centre on the committee.

Duncan Robinson (Green)

I have lived in Portsmouth for 16 years and Nelson for six years. I have also worked in the ward for a couple of years.

My son has been blue-lighted to A&E with breathing problems four times before his second birthday due to air pollution. Hence, I want more done to combat air pollution. Covid has had more impact in reducing pollution levels than the introduction of the clean air zone (CAZ). The CAZ needs to be larger and more stringent, in line with residents wishes, to include Kingston Crescent, Kingston Road and Fratton Road.

In addition, I have signed the South East Climate Alliance ABCD pledge to ensure that council funds are not invested in fossil fuels.

I wish to see more electric buses run across the city. Bus routes across and into Portsmouth need a rethink to reduce journey times and provide access to parts of the city, such as Portsmouth College, Anchorage Park and Ocean Retail park from all parts of the city, including Hilsea.

Having spent over eight years in the Royal Navy I found that I could often move more quickly around the city on a bicycle than by car. Portsmouth needs a joined up cycling strategy that makes it safer, easier and quicker to travel through, across and around our city – I have nearly been hit by cars and vans on several occasions. In addition, properly insulating the city’s housing stock will reduce people’s bills in a time of rising prices as well as help cut pollution further.

As the Green candidate I have vehemently opposed the Tipner West development and am working with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust to provide an alternative vision for the site.

Kerry Swann (Conservatives)

I live in Emsworth Road, North End and have been a community campaigner for many years.

I’d like to see lower council tax, a crackdown on houses of multiple occupation and bad landlords and to support the local policing teams in getting tough on anti-social behaviour and neighbourhood crime.

We’ve recruited 600 new police officers with an increased presence in Portsmouth thanks to our brilliant police and crime commissioner.

Only a vote for me and the Conservatives will tackle these issues. Harder fines, tougher on litterbugs, fly-tippers and better community support. And I want to see our council tax kept low. Henry Thorpe (Portsmouth Independents)

I’m Henry Thorpe, I live in North End with my family. Nelson is a very diverse area for both communities and issues, which I feel I can make a positive impact on.

Independent councillors have strong, concise campaigns, unlike the national parties that constantly confuse local residents where each party says different things for the area and change. I’d focus on local issues only. My journey started by opposing the increasing numbers of ‘superHMOs’. It’s the ability to work cross-party that the Independents have that attracts me.

Paulsgrove

Helena Cole (Lib Dems)

I came to Portsmouth in 1989 to go to university and loved the city so much I never left. I’m a qualified accountant and have been working for large defence companies locally for 20 years. In my spare time I love spending time with my grandchildren who all live locally.

I am particularly interested in green politics, diversity and inclusion and believe that we can build a fairer society for all.

I’ve decided to stand for election as I believe the Lib Dem-led council are on the right track and are making positive changes to the city such as investing in solar panels.

Chris Dike (Portsmouth Independents)

I always felt that Paulsgrove was the forgotten part of Portsmouth. So many things happen in the mainland that don’t come here. As a local resident, living in the heart of Paulsgrove, I noticed the huge impact that our first elected independents have had in the last two elections. This gave me the drive and determination to put myself forward and stand for our community.

This is a local election, not national, I feel we need a local party.

My main aims are to sort potholes, road improvements and verge hardening to aid in reducing parking issues.

Charlie Douglas (Conservatives) I’m a Pompey boy that has been standing up for the residents of Portsmouth since I was 16 years old.

In my spare time, I’m an avid bodybuilder, I play rugby for Portsmouth Rugby Club and shout at the football. My priorities are freezing council tax, tackling antisocial behaviour, and ensuring that Paulsgrove has a thriving community to support the younger generations.

I’m also proud to volunteer at the

Paulsgrove Food Pantry, which Penny Mordaunt MP has funded and set up to help people across Paulsgrove.

Eloise Hadenham (Labour)

Eloise has lived in Portsmouth for many years, moving to Paulsgrove in 2019.

She has a passion for volunteering, which has taken her from refugee camps in Greece to food banks in Portsmouth. She has been involved with a number of community projects in Paulsgrove and recently attended a Meet your

Neighbourhood Police event to discuss issues affecting Cosham and Paulsgrove residents.

‘My hope is that by being elected as councillor for Paulsgrove, I’ll have access to be able to help even more residents and make sure that everyone’s voice is heard,’ she said.