Labour has selected its candidate for the upcoming county council by-election in Bishop's Waltham.

Steve Haines, a long-time party member, will stand in the by-election set for October 31.

Having lived in Bishops Waltham for 40 years, Mr Haines has a strong community background.

His four children attended local schools, and he has previously chaired the governors of the former Ridgemede Junior School, now known as the Bishop's Waltham Junior School.

Professionally, Mr Haines worked as a mental health social worker for both Hampshire and Southampton social services.

His political interests include public transport and community involvement, and he is a proponent of cycling as an alternative mode of transport.

Mr Haines's selection comes as Labour county councillors have been actively opposing Conservative spending plans.

These include increasing payments for domiciliary care, cutting school crossing patrols, closing tips, reducing bus services, and community transport.

Plans that would diminish support for the homeless, leading to service closures and increased street sleeping, were also opposed by Labour.

Mr Haines is expected to bring his lifetime of experience to represent local residents in the Labour interest.