Gosport Conservative & Unionist Party candidates will seek to maintain control of the borough council, something they have done since 2010. And this year 28 candidates will be across the wards looking for support, hoping to win a majority of the seats on offer. All information has been sent to the Globe email address and laid out by our Assistant Editor (in the order they were sent).
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Kevin Casey (Alverstoke): Originally from Melbourne, Australia, I settled in Alverstoke in 1984 and love where I live. Getting involved with my local community is a priority. I am chair of Friends of Stokes Bay, on the Gosport Society Committee, and Director of the Diving Museum. Elected Alverstoke councillor in 2018, I represent GBC on the Alverstoke Parish Centre Management Committee, the Friends of Stanley Park, Joint Management Committee for Gosport Museum, and am GBC Heritage Champion. I care deeply about the area, have a good relationship with and know many residents, and hope to be able to continue working hard for them.
Zoe Huggins (Alverstoke): Born in Gosport, I have fond memories of Alverstoke, roads filled with cherry blossoms as I walk to school, playing in the park, my wedding to Darren, and raising my children. I have 22 years within the education sector, I am the chair for a local Education Trust, a business action group, and Gosport Food Partnership. Elected as a Gosport councillor in 2016 and Hampshire in 2021 I have acted to protect our green spaces, preserve, and recognise our heritage, local issues, jobs, and skills. Representing and getting involved in my local community is my purpose and hope I can continue.
Phillip Raffaelli (Anglesey): As a Naval Doctor for 37 years, I grew to love Gosport and settled here with my family many years ago. I’ve lived in Anglesey for the last 13 years and been an Anglesey councillor for six of those. I believe that I’ve been a strong voice for residents, representing them to the best of my ability and helping wherever I can. I’ve also worked hard to represent Gosport’s needs on a number of NHS and healthcare bodies. Gosport’s future has never been brighter and if re-elected I will do everything I can to build that better future for everyone.
Alan Scard (Anglesey): I was born in Gosport and attended Alverstoke School and Church, spending my teenage years at Brodrick Hall Youth Club. As a resident of Anglesey for over 40 years I really care about our community, services and people. Email updates of a non-party political nature are how I keep residents updated on local issues and community events. I will work hard to put your needs first, to get you the best deal and to put the needs of Anglesey at the top of Gosport Borough Council’s agenda. With your support we can improve the lives of all who live here.
Kathy Jones (Bridgemary): I was elected six years ago as a councillor for Bridgemary and am delighted to be standing for re-election. Having served the community through our family business, Kev Jones and Son, for over 30 years in the area I want to continue my quest to serve not only in my ward but in the whole town, a town of which I am extremely proud to live in. Following the ethos of ‘if good people step down bad people step up’, I feel it is important for the greater good of our area. I hope you can continue to support me.
Supriya Namdeo (Bridgemary): I was born in India and moved to Gosport in 2018 with my husband Imtiyaz. Here we started our family business, Wych Lane Premier, in Bridgemary. I love being part of the community and through our business talk to many people from our area – helping them where I can. Keen to help, during lockdown, and with the help of our community, I cooked and delivered free meals to local vulnerable residents as well as providing free hand sanitiser and face masks to the elderly. I am keen to help and solve problems to improve our community of Bridgemary for everyone.
Sean Blackman (Brockhurst and Privett): Sean Blackman is a Church Minister who lives in Gosport and is married to Cheryl. He has three daughters, three granddaughters, and a grandson. Sean has wide experience working in business and uses these skills to address long-term community needs. His work includes supporting young people, provising activities for the older generation, improving facilities for the disabled and working closely with rough sleepers getting them into permanent accommodation with the right support. He is passionate about supporting our community and believes the use of community hubs can ensure residents are supported and given the opportunity to thrive and grow.
Linda Batty (Brockhurst and Privett): I was born in London but moved to Malta when I was young. When my naval family returned to England we came to Gosport. My working life started at the General Register Office which I left to raise my family. When my children grew up, I went back to work locally at libraries and retired from Bridgemary Library as manager after 30 years. I have been a councillor for eight years and I am keen to continue representing our area and improving Gosport. I believe that I’ve been a strong voice for residents and have helped them wherever I can.
Alan Neville (Elson): I have lived in Gosport for nine years and have assisted many residents with issues.
Through work, I have many years of experience dealing with representative issues and am keen to ensure people have a strong voice and their views are heard. I am married and employed as the Station Manager at Fareham Ambulance Station. I have 16 years experience working in and alongside the NHS. In my spare time I am a committee member and club umpire at Gosport Borough Cricket Club and volunteer with the Gosportarians. I am proud to support all residents of both Elson and Gosport.
Natasha Hook (Elson): I have lived in Elson all my life, attending local schools and colleges. I live near St John’s School with my fiance and son and have worked for a Member of Parliament since 2012. I have always had an interest in helping our community; aged 11 I joined Gosport Youth Council, going on to join Hampshire County Youth Council and represent Gosport & Fareham at United Kingdom Youth Parliament debating in the House of Commons aged 14. Through work, I deal with issues ranging from bin collections to benefits and have a good understanding of the concerns of people in Elson.
Gary Walker (Forton): Is community minded and regularly volunteers with Gosport Heritage Open Days, the Gosportarians, Open Doors and C2U. He believes that the residents of Forton should be fully heard and represented with a strong voice. He feels that the Conservative team on Gosport Borough Council can be proud of their achievements to date in putting their plans into action especially for Forton ward and is keen to continue this work, whilst being a hardworking representative for local people. Gary can regularly be seen carrying out litter picks and speed watches in the local area, improving the community for everyone.
Sue Desbois (Forton): Is originally from Chichester and moved to Gosport nine years ago. She lived in South Africa for over 20 years where she had a specialist recruitment consultancy. Sue is currently the Chair of Gosport Community Association and also the musical director of a singing group. Sue believes that local politics is less about the Party and more about the people. You should have access to the services you need via your local ward councillor and her aim is to find those solutions or to put you in touch with the right people to get the answers you need.
Maggie Morgan (Grange and Alver Valley): I’ve been a councillor for the Grange and Alver Valley area for nine years and remain dedicated to providing you the best service I can. I have dealt with many residents’ concerns over the years and have worked hard to transform our area – improving the quality of life for residents. I am keen to stay connected with residents and have social media, newsletters and also regular meet and greet sessions so I am accessible to you so I can help resolve your problems. I hope I have proven my dedication, honesty and ability to continue to be your strong representative.
Tony Jessop (Grange and Alver Valley): I have a long history with Grange and Alver Valley having been a resident for 17 years prior to election as ward councillor in 2010. Since then, we have seen the regeneration of the ward which has raised living standards, provided employment and opportunity for the residents. I am accessible all year round at monthly meet and greet sessions held in the Alver village shopping area. I enjoy working with the residents of Grange and Alver Valley to help the community to flourish and improve. I hope you will allow me to continue this work and VOTE Tony Jessop.
Lesley Meenaghan: (Harbourside and Town): Living in the ward, I am passionate about improving our area.
As your councillor, I have worked tirelessly for you. Collaborating with the Police & Crime Commissioner to ensure local residents’ concerns are heard and acted upon, working with the police and council to tackle anti-social behaviour in the Falkland Gardens and liaising with licensing authorities to make CCTV will be a mandatory licence condition for all taxis in Gosport. I hope local residents can see what can be achieved by having a local councillor who has forged close working relationships with key organisations to improve our area and safety.
Rob Thompson (Harbourside and Town): Harbourside and Town candidate Rob Thompson is from a Naval family. After graduating from Oxford University, he worked in the City of London before going to China to learn Chinese and start his own business. After 13 years in Asia, he felt the pull of home and returned to Gosport in 2013. His wide international and business experience has exposed him to a range of initiatives, both private and by governments, that he thinks would be effective in Gosport, too. He feels that being elected will help him bring new perspectives and ideas to local government.
Diane Furlong (Hardway): Is a lifelong Hardway resident, married with twin sons and five grandchildren. She worked as a Civil Servant for almost 40 years in the Ministry of Defence. Diane has been interested and involved in local politics for many years having been elected as a councillor for Hardway in 1983. Diane has been instrumental in resolving the anti-social issues on Hardway Green and is a strong voice for local residents. She is campaigning for a bus service to serve Priddy’s Hard and is keen to see the continuing regeneration of the area, which will improve Hardway for all.
Kay Hallsworth (Hardway): Started her Royal Navy career in Gosport and was pleased to return after 29 years of service – she has always seen Gosport as her home. Being in the Armed Forces taught Kay that it is vital to have good people around you and to build a community to support you. Working in the voluntary sector, she knows how important it is to ensure everyone’s views are heard. Kay is diagnosed with ME and is a vocal advocate for disability rights and accessibility. Kay will continue to push for Gosport for Gosport to have full consideration of accessibility for all.
Graham Burgess (Lee East): Is the Leader of Gosport Conservatives. He was responsible for the Alver Valley play parks and car parks as well as the splash park and play area along Lee seafront. By increasing parking restrictions he improved road safety at the junction of Fitzroy Drive and Cherque Way. He is a Trustee of Lee Hub and works with volunteers to ensure it is a true community asset. He is fully committed to jobs not houses on the Daedalus site. His priorities include the regeneration of the Bus Station and Gosport Hight Street waterfront improving the gateway to our area.
Ian Orr (Lee East): Is proud to have been a Lee-on-the-Solent resident all his life and is passionate about our area. He is a local teacher, was a founding member which raised funds for the Lee Community Centre and helped organise the Solent Show and Carnival which achieved its aim in 1982. He is also a senior athletics coach and was one of the five founding members of the Lee Park Run and still takes part on Saturdays. Ian enjoys swimming at Lee-on-the-Solent beach and is keen to represent the views of local people and improve our area even more.
John Beavis (Lee West): John Beavis as the Lee West councillor since 2008 has helped develop the Alver Valley into a country park for all ages, provided splash park and play facilities for young people, is actively working for the future of Daedalus to ensure the appropriate levels of infrastructure and development is in keeping with the local area, helped protect our green spaces, supported local businesses, ensured that Lee Library remains a part of the community as Lee Hub and has been a strong champion for local views. You can be confident in his ability to represent local interests and get results.
John Gledhill (Lee West): John and his wife Julie have lived in Lee for 17 years, their children were educated and have forged their careers locally. He is passionate about Lee’s future and maintaining its unique history.
John believes in supporting local businesses and events. Since retiring from Hampshire Police he has volunteered with many local groups and at numerous local events. This interaction with the local community has given him a great insight into local issues and problems in Lee and the wider borough of Gosport. John is in touch with the needs of the community; he is dedicated and very conscientious.
Chris Best (Leesland and Newtown): Chris is an Army veteran who moved to Gosport in 1969, he is married and has four daughters who live locally with their families. In his working life Chris was also a diplomat and security consultant. He now feels it is time for him to contribute towards our area and help improve the quality of life, education and employment for local residents. Partially disabled, Chris has a particular interest in the wellbeing of the elderly, disabled and those who are vulnerable. He strongly believes the experience and skills gained from his working life will enable him to represent you effectively.
David Gary (Leesland and Newtown): Served for 10 years in the Royal Navy, worked for 30 years in local government finance and is now a local author and historian. First coming to Gosport in 1972 with the Royal Navy, David returned to the area with his family eight years ago. David’s working life has given him good experience of local and central government and he firmly believes that local decisions should be taken by local people. He is passionate about making sure that Leesland and Newtown residents are represented and being a strong voice for residents whilst also assisting with their concerns and issues.
Lynn Hook (Peel Common): Lynn Hook has been a councillor for Peel Common for over 10 years. She has lived in Gosport for over 50 years, being educated at Bridgemary School. Now retired, she is well known having ran a card shop in Gosport High Street. Lynn believes it is right to represent the views of local people and puts that before politics. Lynn is an active member of our community and during the pandemic joined the army of volunteers across the country who helped deliver life-saving vaccines. Lynn can still be seen regularly helping residents access these services at the Brune Medical Centre.
Stephen Philpott (Peel Common): Lives in Peel Common with his wife, Jan, and for over 20 years he has had the privilege to represent Peel Common and Rowner. When he was first elected he promised to represent everyone regardless of their political allegiance. He has always done his best to live up to that promise. Stephen Philpott has led the fight against major housing development in the Strategic Gap and continues to do so. Stephen will continue to remain visible, accessible and work as hard as he can to ensure that Peel Common remains a place where everyone is happy to live.
Patrick Bergin (Rowner and Holbrook): I’ve lived in Holbrook for 16 years an am involved in many community events and local campaigns. I’m married, have older children and am a bus driver, however I spent most of my working life in the Army. I am an active litter-picker, assist residents with problems and am always willing to help. I am keen to resolve issues with speeding, anti-social behaviour and drug issues and have worked closely with the police to make our area a better place to live.
I have represented our area for four years and ask for your support to do so again.
Marcus Murphy (Rowner and Holbrook): I’ve lived in the area since 2000 and have represented our area for 14 years. Prior to this, I served in the Armed Forces for 22 years and am proud to be the council’s Armed Forces Champion. Living in the area I know the problems faced by those of us that live in Rowner and Holbrook. I strongly believe that local residents should come first and should continue to have a strong voice in the Town Hall. I have helped many residents with a range of issues and believe I am a hardworking, down-to-earth councillor, who gets results.
