Elections: Bishop's Waltham and Central Meon Valley

On May 4, residents will be able to vote for one candidate in 16 wards. Sitting councillors are marked with an *. 

We invited every candidate standing in the Winchester City Council local election to submit 100-word profiles. 

These are the candidates and their own words as to why they are standing. 

Bishop's Waltham 

Richard Cannon – Green 

I am passionate about wildlife and nature and have seen the terrible demise in the population of many creatures caused by poor agricultural policies, loss of habitat and climate change. 

Being a keen walker and wildlife photographer has given me the pleasure of speaking to many people and hearing about local issues and concerns. 

Road noise, pollution and safety are a priority along with ensuring local businesses are supported and our Countryside is maintained and improved where needed. 

We must act now. Our many Green councillors around the country have been extremely successful in changing things for the better. 

Steve Haines – Labour 

Steve has lived in the Meon Valley for 40 years, moving from Wickham to Bishop's Waltham for an expanding family.

He worked for Southampton social services as a psychiatric social worker for 30 years which ended when disabled by a stroke, so he has personal experience of disability as well as from his professional work as a social worker.

He has four children, all of whom were educated in local schools. He was a governor and chair of the governors of the Bishop's Waltham Junior School.

As a Labour Party member, Steve upholds party principles of fairness and the provision of properly financed local services. If elected he would resist cuts in local services, and would work to ensure vulnerable people are not excluded because of access or financial circumstances.

Donald Iro – Conservative 

Donald has lived in Bishop’s Waltham for 16 years with his family.

He is a local businessman, operating a transport business proudly based in Bishop’s Waltham.

An independent governor of Solent University, a member of the Forces Strategic Independent Advisory Group at Hampshire Police, and a non-executive director at Ashford St Peter’s Hospital.

In 2021, he joined the parish council, and 2022 elected as vice chairman and chair of the Finance, Policy, and Resources committee.

If elected, Don will push for improved infrastructure, protect parking charges, encourage local employment, support better enforcement and that we go “green properly”.

Jonathan Williams – Liberal Democrats 

Jonathan has lived in Bishop’s Waltham for 32 years. He volunteered here for five years as a Community Responder, is a current parish councillor, and worked in Winchester A&E for nine years.

He is dedicated to helping our community. He currently works in Bishop’s Waltham as a software developer, creating medical education software for doctors both here in the NHS, and abroad in Africa. He is campaigning to stop flooding and the dumping of sewage in our rivers by Southern Water and for the new GP surgery that is urgently needed. 

Central Meon Valley 

Kris Ford – Conservative 

My family and I moved to this area in 2012 and became involved with local interests straight away.  Both my wife and I are now able to work from home, giving me time to help residents with individual and group matters. 

I care very deeply for the Meon Valley and having been on a local parish council now for a few years, I am familiar with local politics and the importance of maintaining and protecting our beautiful rural surroundings. If elected, I pledge to be a strong voice for our wonderful community at Winchester City Council.

Tom Gregory – Liberal Democrats 

Tom Gregory has lived in the Meon Valley for the past 15 years with his wife and two school-age children. He is a percussion teacher, musician, and director of a local company that uses folk music and dance in education and well-being.

Tom and his father own a wetland near Alresford where they are working to conserve the natural habitat to restore wildlife. He is concerned about noise and speeding on the main roads, especially the A32 and particularly supports the local ’20’s plenty’ campaigns across the ward. He will press for much-needed improvements in rural broadband. 

Danny Lee – Green 

Danny lives in Droxford in the Central Meon Valley. He welcomes challenging work and has the skills and experience needed to get things done. 

His expertise in leading large programmes and multi-national projects with diverse groups has successfully delivered challenging projects, as a Royal Navy Officer, a sustainable design-and-build company Director, and with the Environment Agency.

He now works in a variety of volunteer roles, including as a Citizens Advice advisor. 

If successful, Danny looks forward to the opportunity to apply his skills and experience to support the local community. 

Antony Mcnally – Labour 

No response