Labour’s candidate for Hedge End South in the by election on 22 May is Keith Day.

Full statement

Keith has lived in Hedge End for over 40 years and recently retired after a career in both private and public organisations. He has been active in local politics all that time and has served as a borough and town councillor. He contested the Hedge End South ward most recently in May 2024.

Keith moved to Hedge End from Southampton in 1983, the year Jane Welsh was first elected. “Jane has been a constant all the time I have been involved with Hedge End politics. I recognise and salute her service to Hedge End. Her passing leaves a huge void in our public life.”

“However, this year marks 30 years of the Liberal Democrats running Eastleigh Borough Council. I wonder if voters think Hedge End is a better place to live after three decades of the same party in charge?”

“We are entering a period of great change in our local government and the Lib Dems seem to have run out of ideas of their own. It’s time for a fresh start."

Keith backs Labour’s plans for an elected mayor for Hampshire and a single unitary authority to replace Eastleigh Borough Council and Hampshire County Council. The proposed changes will bring stronger strategic leadership, improve the financial sustainability of local councils and bring decision-making closer to local people.

Keith’s priorities are:
• Fix our roads and work with local residents to make them safer for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.
• Revitalise Hedge End centre and consult residents on what is to be done with the old Budgens site.
• Manage and maintain our remaining green spaces for people, wildlife and the environment.
• Improve bus and train services in an integrated public transport system which meets people’s needs.