St Michael's Ward city council by-election: meet the candidates

As previously reported, the by-election is being held after Lib Dem city councillor George Prest stood down due to personal reasons.

Candidates from the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, Greens and Labour are now standing for the election on July 4, the same day as the General Election.

The St Michael's ward covers the city centre, St Giles Hill, Highcliffe, Bar End and St Cross.

The turnout will be higher than usual for a council by-election because it coincides with the national vote.

After being invited to send in a profile ahead of the election, here is what the candidates have said:

READ MORE: City councillor George Prest stands down triggering by-election

Richard Murphy (Lib Dem)

Richard Murphy (Image: Liberal Democrats)

Richard has lived in Winchester for 21 years.

He is the husband of the late St Michael ward councillor Lynda Murphy, and is dedicated to continuing her work on climate and the environment, as well as standing up for local people on the rising cost of living and our local NHS services.

He's also committed to ensuring that the city continues to thrive with a successful High Street, care for heritage and regeneration of the rundown parts of the centre.

Leo Keay (Conservative)

Leo Keay (Image: Leo Keay)

I am a lifelong resident of St Michael Ward: I was born in the Royal Hampshire County Hospital and have lived at the same address on St Cross Road all my life.

I have devoted my professional life to public service: I am a Parliamentary Researcher and a PhD Candidate in Defence Studies at Kings College London. I previously worked in international diplomacy at the United Nations in New York and Vienna.

I have campaigned and stood in the last three local elections (May 2022, May 2023, May 2024) and care passionately about local issues. I am passionate about regenerating the city centre, preserving our cultural heritage and nurturing the natural environment. My mission is to make Winchester the best possible place to live, work, visit and grow up in.

If elected, my key priorities would be to make concrete progress on Central Winchester Regeneration, to reverse the 700 per cent hike in evening and weekend parking charges, and to smarten up the city centre, especially by reducing littering, improving the state of public toilets and increasing the occupancy of council buildings.

SEE ALSO: Who is standing to be Winchester's next MP at the General Election?

Peter Marsh (Labour)

Peter Marsh (Image: Peter Marsh)

I am standing again as the Labour candidate for St Michael Ward.  I am currently Chair of Winchester Labour and have lived in the constituency for 17 years.  I was born in Basingstoke.

I run a project management company based in the town centre and have substantial experience in the delivery of major capital projects.  I previously worked at a senior level at the then Social Housing Regulator.

For the last ten years, the Lib Dems have been telling Labour voters that 'it's too close here' and they need to vote LD to keep the Tories out.  Now that there is an overwhelming majority of LDs on the Council - there is zero risk of the Tories getting control of the Council as a result of this by-election. 

We are offering the opportunity for residents to elect a strong Labour voice to help hold the Council to account.  My pledges for St Michael ward include :

• working with the Council to develop the Bar End Depot site for affordable housing.  We are deeply disappointed to see this key site unused and 'left to the market' when local people are being forced out of the city due to unaffordable rents;

• campaigning to create a fully integrated transport hub and include new affordable housing as part of the central Winchester regeneration; and,

• working to ensure that the voices of Council tenants are heard so that their priorities are taken into account in maintaining and upgrading our estates and supporting our communities.

Richard Needham (Green Party)

Richard Needham (Image: Green Party)

I have lived in the heart of St Michael's ward for almost 40 years, having first moved here in 1985. Our children grew up here and attended St Bede’s and Westgate School and Peter Symonds College. I worked as a secondary school teacher and as Head of department for many years and am now in hospitality. I am a dedicated environmental campaigner and a good communicator.

I am local, hardworking and trustworthy.

I decided to stand for election because;

• I’m disappointed by the slow progress being made to tackle the nature crisis, reduce traffic and protect our green spaces from overdevelopment.

• I’m dismayed by the eye-watering costs of rents, lack of affordable homes and lack of local facilities.

• I’m determined to do my utmost to achieve real change for the better and to speak up to represent the real concerns of residents in all areas of St Michael's ward.

• I want our children, grandchildren and future generations to be able to live a happy and healthy life here and for them to have a future they can look forward to.