Local Elections 2026: All to play for in Havant Borough Council elections as first ballot boxes arrive count
The Havant local election count is under way as parties fight for crucial seats
Apprehension is palpable at Havant Leisure Centre as this year’s local election candidates gather to await the results of the Havant Borough Council elections after weeks of intense campaigning.
The first ballot boxes started arriving just after 10.15pm, with candidates and party representatives closely watching the count in an early attempt to gauge the night’s outcome.
Labour currently holds the majority with nine seats, while the Conservative Party flanks it with eight seats, closely followed by the Green Party (five seats) and Reform (five seats). There are three independents.
But it is all to play for this year, particularly following the decision of Conservative councillors Liz Fairhurst and James Blades, along with Labour councillor Peter Olive, not to run for re-election.
Among those patiently waiting is Caren Diamond who defected to Reform last year after serving as a Conservative councillor for Purbrook since 2008.
She said: “I have been a councillor for 18 years so for me I’m hoping to get to the 20-year mark. I’d like to do the 20 but if not, then I’ve had a good run.
“I just felt that we had been let down by the Conservatives nationally and locally. It was the party that changed, not me. So, I think if we don’t give them a go, we will never know.
“I’m a resident that looks after residents so that is how I’ve always seen myself and I think that’s why I’ve had a positive response - the campaigning has been really positive.”
The Green Party have also turned out in full force, with the likes of Councillor Netty Shepherd showing her supporting for her party’s candidates across the borough.
Clare Wakeley is a Green Party county council candidate for Cowplain and Hart Plain who said she decided to take a stand after being overwhelmed with “concern” for the country.
She explained: “It has been lovely meeting so many nice people in the community and it’s all been really positive. I was quite concerned and depressed about the situation and the national feeling of despair. Everybody feels they need a change because it has been so awful for so long and I just feel impressed by the Green Party.
“It is run by ordinary people for ordinary people.”
As the count continues into the night, it is understood that MP Suella Braverman will be in attendance.