The Liberal Democrats have announced that Councillor Prad Bains will be their candidate for the Hamble Valley Constituency at the General Election.

Full statement

Hampshire born and raised, Bains has a track record of serving the community. Currently serving as a County Councillor on Hampshire County Council, he was previously elected as Havant’s youngest-ever Mayor in 2020, during his term as a Borough councillor, where he also helped to raise thousands for a children’s cancer charity.

Bains says: “I am very excited to begin making my case to be the first MP for the Hamble Valley constituency. We need change nationally and locally, with a new government and new leadership that puts our community first. We have been let down for too long by Conservative complacency in our area. We cannot allow them to continue to take us for granted.”

In addition to his political interests, Prad Bains is an avid sportsman, having played Southern League cricket for Portsmouth CC and served as a goalkeeper for Denmead FC. In 2019, his goalkeeping skills proved crucial as he saved three penalty kicks in a crunch cup-tie against Portchester, leading to Denmead’s victory in the Portsmouth Senior Cup.

During the pandemic, Prad established a Covid response group to assist the most vulnerable in society with shopping, medical collections, and call buddies. The group went on to help over 120 local families get the support they needed.

Prad also worked as a Firefighter during the pandemic, helping to protect the local community and residents, during unprecedented times.

In a press release, Prad Bains outlined his priorities, stating: “From day one, I will be speaking to residents on the doorsteps about the things that matter to them the most and the changes they need to see in our community.”

His key campaign issues include advocating for proper funding for NHS mental health services, providing more support for those affected by the Cost of Living crisis, and opposing sewage dumping in rivers and seas.

Additionally, he expressed his commitment to working with residents to oppose plans to build a quarry on Hamble Airfield.

The Hamble Valley constituency has been formed from areas of the former Eastleigh Constituency, former Fareham Constituency, and the Whiteley and Shedfield ward, which is a part of Winchester City Council.