Former Havant mayor Prad Bains pulls out of running for parliament for the Lib Dems
The politician also serves on the county council and chairs Hampshire’s fire authority
A councillor who was the youngest mayor of Havant has decided not to run for parliament, saying he needs to focus on his health, family and council responsibilities.
Cllr Prad Bains has withdrawn as the Liberal Democrats’ prospective parliamentary candidate for Hamble Valley with immediate effect, ending his bid to contest the seat at the next general election.
In a message to Cllr Keith House, leader of the Liberal Democrats in Hampshire, Cllr Bains said the decision had not been taken lightly, but was the right one for him and his family.
He said: “My focus is on my health, my family and, from a political aspect, on local government and my local roles as a borough and county councillor and chair of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Authority, all things I love doing and will continue to fulfil and prioritise politically moving forward.”
Cllr Bains, who represents Hamble and Netley on Eastleigh Borough Council, said stepping aside now would give the Liberal Democrats time to choose a successor.
He added: “It will also enable the newly appointed candidate to have the maximum amount of lead in time ahead of the next general election and to build on the brilliant result we achieved together last time round.”
The seat is currently held by Conservative Paul Holmes MP, who was previously MP for Eastleigh.
Cllr Bains, who went to Cowplain School and was elected to Havant Borough Council in 2018, became the Mayor of Havant in 2020 aged 24. He also has longstanding ties with Portsmouth Cricket Club and Denmead Football Club.
Responding to the announcement, Keith House described Cllr Bains as “exceptional” and said the party hoped to gain the constituency next time voters go to the polls.
He said: “I am so sad he has decided to stand down to concentrate on his local government commitments.
“Hamble Valley is a constituency the Liberal Democrats expect to gain at the general election, having come close last time and winning four of the seven county seats there this May.
“Prad will be a hard act to follow, and we all wish him well for the future.”
The Liberal Democrats will now begin the search for a new candidate to fight the seat.