Elections
in Central South
It is anticipated that the Liberal Democrat / Labour / Green / Residents Associations / Independent pattern of control that became dominant in 2023 will continue – along with the explicitly anti-development approach in many of these cases.
For those Councils with Conservative led authorities still in place, with small majorities like Rushmoor and Dorset, a change of political control after 2nd May is expected. It is likely that Fareham and Havant will buck the trend and remain in Conservative control, although with some swing in these areas.
Basingstoke and Deane – A third of all members
With the Council moving away from Conservative control at last year’s elections, that resulted in no overall control of the Council, Basingstoke and Deane will be one to watch this May.
Dorset – All out elections
The Conservative majority that currently presides over Dorset Council is likely to see some losses at the local elections as a result of the wider, national sentiment. Given the small majority they have, this could see the overall loss of the Council to a rainbow coalition.
Eastleigh – A third of all members
With a strong Liberal Democrat majority for a number of years, no significant change is expected in Eastleigh.
Fareham – All out elections
Big changes coming to Fareham in May, with all out elections under new boundaries and long-standing Leader Councillor Sean Woodward stepping down.
Gosport – Half of all members
While the Council has had difficulties in bringing forward a sufficient number of homes for its Local Plan, given the national sentiment towards the Conservatives, it is unlikely that the authority will shift away from Liberal Democrat control.
Hart – A third of all members
Hart has been under the control of the Liberal Democrat and Community Campaign Hart for a number of years. There was no political change at the 2023 elections and it is likely to remain the same again this year.
Havant – All out elections
While new boundaries will be in place, with a strong Conservative majority in force, it is unlikely that there will be much change in Havant. Although some changeover of parties could be likely in the more coastal parts of the Borough that will be more alive to sewage sensitivities in the Solent.
Portsmouth – A third of all members
With No Overall Control being the theme of the Portsmouth elections for some time, it is anticipated that the current status quo of a Liberal Democrat minority will remain.
Southampton – A third of all members
Labour could see the loss of a number of seats at this election, following recent announcements on Council Tax increases in the City. It is, however, unlikely to result in an overall loss in the Council by Labour.
Rushmoor – A third of all members
With a small but longstanding Conservative majority currently in place, the big shock of the night will be if Rushmoor falls to Labour outright for the first time in the authority’s 50-year history.
Winchester – A third of all members
With the Liberal Democrats holding the authority since 2019, no big swing back towards the Conservatives is expected.
Isle of Weight
No elections.
Chichester
No elections.
East Hampshire
No elections.
Test Valley
No elections.
New Forest
No elections.
BCP
No elections.
Basingstoke and Deane – A third of all members
With the Council moving away from Conservative control at last year’s elections, that resulted in no overall control of the Council, Basingstoke and Deane will be one to watch this May.
Dorset – All out elections
The Conservative majority that currently presides over Dorset Council is likely to see some losses at the local elections as a result of the wider, national sentiment. Given the small majority they have, this could see the overall loss of the Council to a rainbow coalition.
Eastleigh – A third of all members
With a strong Liberal Democrat majority for a number of years, no significant change is expected in Eastleigh.
Fareham – All out elections
Big changes coming to Fareham in May, with all out elections under new boundaries and long-standing Leader Councillor Sean Woodward stepping down.
Gosport – Half of all members
While the Council has had difficulties in bringing forward a sufficient number of homes for its Local Plan, given the national sentiment towards the Conservatives, it is unlikely that the authority will shift away from Liberal Democrat control.
Hart – A third of all members
Hart has been under the control of the Liberal Democrat and Community Campaign Hart for a number of years. There was no political change at the 2023 elections and it is likely to remain the same again this year.
Portsmouth – A third of all members
With No Overall Control being the theme of the Portsmouth elections for some time, it is anticipated that the current status quo of a Liberal Democrat minority will remain.
Havant – All out elections
While new boundaries will be in place, with a strong Conservative majority in force, it is unlikely that there will be much change in Havant. Although some changeover of parties could be likely in the more coastal parts of the Borough that will be more alive to sewage sensitivities in the Solent.
Southampton – A third of all members
Labour could see the loss of a number of seats at this election, following recent announcements on Council Tax increases in the City. It is, however, unlikely to result in an overall loss in the Council by Labour.
Rushmoor – A third of all members
With a small but longstanding Conservative majority currently in place, the big shock of the night will be if Rushmoor falls to Labour outright for the first time in the authority’s 50-year history.
Winchester – A third of all members
With the Liberal Democrats holding the authority since 2019, no big swing back towards the Conservatives is expected.
No Elections:
Isle of Wight, Chichester, East Hampshire, Test Valley, New Forest, BCP
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