Winchester election candidates The Worthys and Upper 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 standing in The Worthys and Upper Meon Valley wards and their own words as to why they are standing. 

The Worthys 

Signe Biddle – Conservative 

I am a working mother, was born in Winchester and have lived in the Worthys since 2018. From my foundation as a businesswoman and as a trained archaeologist, comes my great wish to preserve the legacy and deliver the future of Winchester and The Worthys.  

Sitting on Kings Worthy Parish Council as chair of Planning and Highways, I am an active member of the local community.

I have effectively lobbied councillors, our MP, the Police and Crime Commissioner and spoken at Winchester City and Hampshire County Council meetings.

A balanced representation would more fairly represent all our residents and it would be a privilege to represent my ward on the Winchester City Council. 

Hannah Dawson – Labour 

Hannah is a former civil servant and currently works in communications.

She is passionate about campaigning for good quality housing and supporting refugees. She has experience dealing with both national and local government and delivering major and complex projects.

Since moving to Winchester Hannah has been shocked by the state of potholes in roads and with litter in our beautiful communities.

She is firmly committed to representing the views of her community and puts fairness and equality at the heart of everything she does. 

Andrew Pogson – Green 

I have been interested in Green policies and politics since studying Meteorology at University. 

I moved to Kings Worthy three years ago and have spent many hours exploring the wonderful countryside alongside my two Labradors.  Even in this short time, I have seen many worrying changes. 

The challenge of building for a sustainable future is particularly relevant here, where we must find ways to preserve our heritage and natural environment. 

By thinking more long-term and planning with the bigger picture in mind, we can protect our local environment, boost our local economy and improve residents’ quality of life. 

*Jane Rutter – Liberal Democrats 

Jane has lived with her family in the Worthys for more than 25 years, and has been active in the local community throughout. Her children attended local schools and Jane was instrumental in setting up and helping run two different toddler groups locally. 

She is chair of Headbourne Worthy Parish Council and is passionate to make new residents at Kings Barton feel as valued as a part of our community as she did 25 years ago. 

Jane is a keen cyclist – particularly since getting her electric bike – and is enthusiastic about achieving better walking and cycling links between our communities and Winchester. 

Upper Meon Valley 

Cameron Hodgkinson – Labour 

No response 

Astrea Hurlock – Conservative 

I have lived in Upper Meon Valley Ward for 25 years, raised a family and run a business.

I know the pressure of increasing energy costs, the complexity of the planning system and the desire to become more sustainable affordably.

As a Parish Councillor in Owslebury I witness the challenges and opportunities that our residents face first-hand.

This role has widened my knowledge and appreciation for what’s important to our community.

If elected, I will work hard to protect our rural way of life and ensure your voice is heard at the district level.

Polly Perry – Green 

I am trustworthy, reliable and love making a difference to people’s lives. I’m hardworking, a good communicator and ready to speak up for what’s right. 

My business is based in Bramdean and I spend a lot of time walking in the beautiful countryside. 

It’s really important to me that our countryside is protected from overdevelopment and that our chalk streams are protected from issues with raw sewerage and pollution.

As council budgets are cut, I want to make sure that funds are directed towards providing and maintaining the services we need in often-forgotten rural areas. 

We must think of the future! 

Jerry Pett – Liberal Democrats 

Jerry has lived in the Corhampton for 25 years.

He is a retired Royal Navy Captain and chair of the Meonstoke and Corhampton Parish Council. He knows how to get things done.

Jerry is passionate about our unique rural communities in the National Park.

He is committed to protecting our chalk stream rivers and our country environment. He regards noise pollution from some bikers like other forms of pollution.

He will engage with local people and encourage local community businesses.

As a keen runner and walker he appreciates every part of this large rural ward.