County Council Elections 2026

VOTE LABOUR

Our Labour County Councillor candidates' priorities are to work within Hampshire County Council to ensure money allocated by the Labour Government reaches the New Forest and helps you!

OUR PRIORITIES

Promoting a joint up health and social care system which could provide free or subsidised short-term care for post hospital support and tailor services to be fit for our rural communities.

Ensuring Labour Government funding for Best Start / Family Hub services helps meet the needs of our local communities in the New Forest, including outreach services in rural areas.

Working towards linking up train and bus travel for sensible travel times and access. For example, working to provide a bus link to/from Brockenhurst station and providing transport to and from hospitals and GP surgeries.

Working with the new Labour Government legislation to hold polluters of our streams and rivers to account so we can truly clean up our waterways.

Working to reduce the number of potholes and gain more money from the National pothole fund for the New Forest. This could release extra money for more robust road improvements.

Ensuring Labour Government funding provides safe commuting routes to connect towns and rural villages in the New Forest.

And of course, working with the relevant authorities to mitigate against the effects of flooding and climate change.

OUR CANDIDATES

Ken KERSHAW

Totton South & Marchwood

I am delighted to be standing for Totton South and Marchwood. Having lived in the Totton South area for some 16 years I am very aware of local issues that need sorting and have the local government experience to take these on. I sat on Slough Council as Vice Chairman of Housing and Borough Works responsible for some 6,000 council houses.

Since I moved to the New Forest, I have continued to act in local government as a Parish Councillor and a strong supporter of the Labour Party and the values for which it stands.

Peter DANCE

Brockenhurst

I was born at my grandmother's home Church Cottage Tiptoe & lived in Woottoon Road Tiptoe until the family moved to Highfield Gardens Sway.

Currently I am President & Games Secretary of Wessex Branch Club & Institute Union, a long serving Parish Councillor in Sway, a director of Everton Bridge Club and a Committee member at Lymington Royal British Legion.

My priorities are to champion a joined up social care system, have a focus on sorting out potholes and reducing flooding.

If elected, I would work to voice the concerns within the villages and settlements in Brockenhurst Division.

Pauline BROWN

South Waterside

I live in the South Waterside division and as such have first-hand experience of the impact of disjointed travel options along the Waterside and the degradation of our roads. I support the extra funding for public transport and potholes the Labour Government has provided.

The impact of anti-social behaviour has affected the feel of my community and the safety of residents. I fully support the extra funding the Labour Government has allocated to tackle these issues such as Best Start/Family hubs and extra police.

If elected, I would work tirelessly to direct Labour Government allocated money to the South Waterside area.

Chris WILLSHER

Lyndhurst & Fordingbridge

I am currently a Parish Councillor in Lyndhurst. Being an ex headteacher, I am fully aware of the impact of funding decisions for schools including SEND and children’s services.

Ensuring children have access to the best start in life with Labour Government initiatives such as Best Start / Family Hubs, SEND reforms and Free Breakfast Clubs, we can empower the next generation to reach their full potential and thrive in our community.

If elected, I would work to direct Labour Government allocated money to bring tangible benefits to our community and make a real difference to people’s lives.

Adrian JOHNSTONE

Totton North & Netley Marsh

I am currently a Parish Councillor in Netley Marsh. I support Labour’s commitment to clean, affordable energy and stronger water regulation. By investing in renewables through Great British Energy, we can support local jobs, lower bills, and improve energy security. At the same time, tougher oversight of water companies will help tackle sewage discharges and protect our rivers and green spaces.

If elected, I would work to ensure these reforms deliver locally—supporting sustainable infrastructure, protecting the New Forest environment, and improving quality of life for residents.

Peter CARROLL

Dibden & Hythe

I work in the Waterside and I live in the rural New Forest. I therefore, have first hand experience of the limited travel choices we have. I would work to ensure the Labour Government continues to allocate funding for pothole repair and long-term road maintenance works for the Waterside.

I strongly support the new Government legislation to hold water companies to account and will work to help it meet our community needs.

If elected, I would work to direct Labour Government allocated money to