Meet the five candidates battling for Portchester council seat
Meet the candidates of the Portchester bye-election
Five candidates are battling for a council seat, with roads, development and community facilities the key issues taking centre stage.
Voters in Portchester Wicor will head to the polls on Thursday, November 19, to elect a new councillor to Fareham Borough Council.
Labour, Reform UK, the Conservatives, Restore Britain and Liberal Democrats have all put forward candidates, with each setting out their priorities for the ward.
Labour candidate Lorraine Drinkwater has lived in Portchester for more than 20 years and is chair of governors at a school, as well as a former foster carer and church warden.
She said she was standing because Portchester needed stronger voices willing to challenge those in charge.
Her priorities include securing further investment in Portchester Precinct, keeping its parking free, creating a youth space and bringing the School Uniform Exchange to the area.
Reform UK’s Paul Kimber said his family has strong connections to Portchester, with his wife running a business on West Street and his daughter living in the ward.
A business owner with a background in transport and driver training, he said he wants to tackle speeding, crime and anti-social behaviour and protect the area from inappropriate development.
Mr Kimber also highlighted road safety on West Street, White Hart Lane and The Crossway, as well as proposals for development off Dore Avenue and efforts to secure a banking hub.
Conservative Harry Davis, who has previously represented Portchester, said his priorities include investment in the precinct, improvements to Wicor Recreation Ground and action on speeding and noisy exhausts.
He also said he would campaign to reinstate the Dore Avenue bus service and tackle the area’s “crumbling coastline”.
Mr Davis said he opposed any plans to merge Portchester with Portsmouth City Council and argued the area deserved a councillor who would provide long-term representation.
George Ponsford is standing for Restore Britain and said he “takes pride in helping others overcome challenges, offering advice, support and effective solutions.”
He said he values time with his son and believes “restoring a British way of life and our culture” is important.
If elected, Mr Ponsford said he will help others, make a positive difference and contribute to the area.
Liberal Democrat Steve Shaw said he wants to continue serving his community after spending 40 years in the Royal Navy.
He said supporting veterans was particularly important to him, alongside everyday issues affecting residents.
Mr Shaw said his priorities include getting roads and pavements repaired, protecting green spaces and supporting charities and community groups.
He said he wanted to be a councillor who listened to residents and worked throughout the year.
Polling takes place on Thursday, November 19.