Meet the four people wanting your vote as by-election called after Gosport politician's death

The by-election in Gosport Borough Council’s Bridgemary ward is after the death of Councillor Bob Maynard (Lib Dem) in November.

Cllr Maynard represented the ward of Bridgemary and served as a member of the council’s community and environment board as vice chair for the Liberal Democrat Party from May 2022 until his death.

There is a candidate standing to represent the Conservative, Labour, Liberal Democrat and Reform UK parties.

There are currently 28 seats on Gosport Borough Council, with two councillors responsible for each of the 14 wards. The 27 seats are made up of 14 Liberal Democrat, 11 Conservative and 2 Labour councillors.

The candidates for the Gosport Borough Council, Bridgemary ward by-election are listed alphabetically by party as follows:

Conservative Party candidate – Kath Jones

Kath Jones said: “As a former business coach, entrepreneur and Mayor of Gosport, I say it’s time politicians stopped criticising each other and put their energy into listening to people’s problems and solving them.

“I detest the blame game. I am the Conservative Party candidate for Bridgemary because someone needs to take responsibility.

“For over 35 years, my husband Kev and I have run family shops in Bridgemary – places where people were heard and helped. As mayor in 2019-2020, I attended 350 events and instigated getting the homeless people off the streets. Real action, not just talk.

“Today, I am a PA to elderly residents in their homes and run the Gosport Community Hope Hub, supporting families in need. My faith drives me to serve others with compassion and dignity.

“I won’t attack opponents. I’ll listen to you, respond within 48 hours, and work with anyone to get things done.

“Whether you vote for me or not, I’m here to help. That’s what neighbours do – that’s the Kath Jones difference.”

Labour Party candidate – Claire Percival

Claire Percival said: “I live in Gosport with my husband, daughter and cat. I have worked in the charity and education sectors for almost twenty years and currently work in a support role in a local secondary school.

“I am passionate about Gosport and volunteer with a number of organisations, including co-chairing the PTA at my daughter’s school, helping run a children’s nature club and being part of the committee for a community park.

“I have always volunteered and worked in roles that support children, families and communities, and I would love to be able to bring this experience to the role of councillor.”

Liberal Democrat Party candidate – Steve Marshall

Steve Marshall said: “I live in the Bridgemary Ward at 10 Camp Road, Bridgemary.

“I am a former Gosport Borough Councillor, having represented the Brockhurst and Privett Ward from 2022 to 2024.

“I am a local community campaigner, married to Debbie and a retired taxi proprietor. As a keen sportsman, I organise several local ‘walking football’ and ‘walking rugby’ teams.

“I am keen to improve local sports and leisure facilities. I campaigned successfully for new play equipment at Bridgemary Park and new floodlights for the Bridgemary skate park plus road and paving repairs, better street lighting, action to clear fly-tipping, and improved council housing repairs.

“As a Bridgemary resident, I want to speak up for the area in which I live and work closely with Bridgemary’s other councillor, Steve Hammond, to improve the Bridgemary area.”

Reform UK Party candidate – Paul Carter

Paul Carter said: “I am a local businessman and entrepreneur with deep roots in Gosport. As a dedicated community campaigner, I have been holding decision-makers accountable because Gosport deserves better.

“I’ve co-founded successful local businesses and served as a Flight Lieutenant in the RAF Reserve, helping young people build confidence. Community is central to my life and work. I am your strong, visible voice, tackling anti-social behaviour, fighting for safety, and raising concerns about neglected public spaces.

“When it comes to Bridgemary, I know you feel overlooked—and you are. I’ve personally attended council meetings, and not once has investment in Bridgemary been raised by the current councillor. That has to change.

“My commitment is clear: drive real investment into Bridgemary and Gosport. Tackle anti-social behaviour and improve safety, and work tirelessly for the people of Bridgemary. I will be the honest, hardworking councillor who puts your ward first.”