Elections
in Central South
Whilst 2023 was the major year for local elections in the region, there were 11 councils in the Central South with seats up in May 2024. 7 elected a third of the council, 3 held all-out elections and one elected half of the council.
The Conservatives suffered across the region, though they have the silver linings of maintaining a strong majority in Fareham. Labour and the Liberal Democrats performed well in previous Conservative strongholds like Havant, Dorset and Rushmoor. The Greens and Independents made gains, picking up seats across the region (especially in rural, traditionally Conservative wards) and will play a part in many of the coalitions that will form over the coming months.
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
The Council remained under the control of the Liberal Democrats and Independent Forum group following the elections, with Conservatives losing seven out of a possible 12 seats.
Dorset – All out elections
The Conservatives lost control of Dorset Council at the local elections in May 2024. Whilst the Liberal Democrats could have governed with a two-seat majority, they chose to form an alliance with the Green Party, who won four seats.
Eastleigh – A third of all members
The strong Liberal Democrat majority was retained across the whole Council in Eastleigh, with no seats changing hands.
Fareham – All out elections
Whilst there were all out elections under new boundaries and the resignation of Cllr Sean Woodward as Leader, the Conservatives retained strong control of the Council, losing just five seats to Liberal Democrats and Labour. Cllr Simon Martin was returned as a member and subsequently chosen as Leader of the Council.
Gosport – Half of all members
While the Council has had difficulties in bringing forward a sufficient number of homes for its Local Plan, the Liberal Democrats retained control of the Council with just one seat lost to the Conservatives.
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, which remained the same following the 2024 elections.
Portsmouth – A third of all members
With No Overall Control being the theme of the Portsmouth elections for some time, the status quo of a Liberal Democrat minority remained. The elections saw the Conservatives lose further seats to the Liberal Democrats and Independents.
Havant – All out elections
Havant saw a significant shift in control at the May 2024 elections, with the Conservatives losing 17 seats across the Borough. Whilst the Conservatives remain the largest party, a coalition was formed between Labour, the Liberal Democrats and Green Party to run the council.
Southampton – A third of all members
Whilst there were two seats lost by the Labour majority that were picked up by the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives respectively, the Council remains firmly under Labour control.
Rushmoor – A third of all members
With a previously small but longstanding Conservative majority, the big shock of the May elections was Labour winning Rushmoor 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, the party increased their numbers at the May elections, with a further 4 seats gained.
No Elections:
Isle of Wight, Chichester, East Hampshire, Test Valley, New Forest, BCP
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