Paulsgrove by-election candidates make their pitch to residents

A by-election will be held on 23 October to elect a new councillor for the Paulsgrove ward following the resignation of former Portsmouth Independent Party councillor Brian Madgwick. The Portsmouth Independent Party has confirmed it will not contest the seat, despite previous successes in the area.

All major parties are standing candidates. We asked each of them to provide a short bio explaining who they are and why they believe they deserve your vote.

Georgina Ayling – Green Party

“I’m Georgina Ayling, a long-standing Portsmouth resident, committed public servant, and a caring hands-on grandmother with a strong sense of community. I have expertise in public finance, transforming services, housing associations, and collaborative working to drive positive change. I’ll bring the expertise, energy, drive, and commitment needed to serve as a councillor who knows how to navigate bureaucratic systems to get things done.

“Paulsgrove, situated along the beautiful slopes of Portsdown Hill, is rich in wildlife and magnificent views.

“Despite this picturesque setting, child poverty remains an issue, with a clear East/West divide. Paulsgrove is known for its strong community spirit, and I would be proud to represent its people.

“Throughout my career, I’ve been guided by values of continuous improvement and serving the public interest. The Green Party is committed to social inclusion, diversity, and delivering a sustainable, healthier, fairer future for all while protecting the environment.

“Together, through resident support groups, we can work to re-open a healthy living centre, get community safety officers back on the street, clean up our open spaces, provide activities for our youth, and above all, end child poverty.”

Thomas Hoare – Conservative Party

“Paulsgrove and Port Solent have been forgotten about for too long – I’m working to change that. My name is Thomas Hoare and I’m not just here for an election; I have a record of hard work and action in our community.

Paulsgrove is my home, I live, work and volunteer here. Our community is special to me, and I’ll do everything I can to improve it. Whilst other candidates just list the problems in our community, my plan offers real action and achievable results – from antisocial behaviour to transport problems we face every day.

Portsmouth City Council must do more, and we need a local councillor focused on Paulsgrove, not talking about issues that only Westminster can solve. If you want real change led by a resident for residents, not party policies, give your vote to the only candidate with a record of work in Paulsgrove on the 23rd October.”

Sydna Phillips – Labour Party

“I’m Sydna Phillips, born and bred in Paulsgrove – a proud Grover through and through. I’ve faced the same challenges many of you have, and I know just how strong our community really is.

“My dad, Syd Rapson, served Paulsgrove for decades – first as a councillor, then as our MP and I grew up watching him and my mum fight for our area. Now, it’s my turn to step up.

“I’m not a career politician. I went to school here and raised my family here, I love our city. I’ve spent over 30 years working alongside the Armed Forces, and know how to get things done.

“Paulsgrove has been ignored for too long. With our MP Amanda Martin, I’ll make sure we get our fair share – from more police and safer streets to breakfast clubs and better roads. I’m a Grover who gets it – and I’ll fight for it.”

Michelle Simmons – Liberal Democrats

“My name is Michelle and I’m a typical Paulsgrove mum.

“I live in the heart of Paulsgrove and my kids go to local schools. I work in QA hospital and use the same shops and buses as everyone else.

“I know exactly what goes on in Paulsgrove.

“Paulsgrove is often let down by people focused on national issues or their own political career. Personally, I think that all that a local councillor should do is listen and deliver what local people want.

“In Paulsgrove, that means tackling important, practical, everyday problems like:

• Better local NHS services – more GPs and dentists
• More things for young people to do
• Better transport links to QA and the city centre

“I also support Portsmouth Lib Dems’ “HandsOffPortsmouth” campaign. I don’t want to pay for Hampshire’s overspending!

“So, for someone from Paulsgrove who offers positive local change, vote for Michelle Simmons, “The Paulsgrove Mum”.

Joe Standen – Reform UK

“I am standing to represent Paulsgrove and Port Solent on Portsmouth City Council, bringing energy, dedication, commitment and a deep passion for the Pompey community.

“Professionally, I work for a prominent military charity. This is a role that is particularly close to my heart as I am a former Royal Marine Commando who served tours of duty in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

“I am passionate about community, fairness, and opportunity. I am focused on the issues that matter most to local people: improving local services, supporting families, and making Paulsgrove an even better place to live.

“I pledged to always be an accessible, approachable councillor who will always make time for residents.

“Outside of work and politics, I am a father to three amazing children and an avid Pompey fan.

“I will put residents first and work hard every day to deliver real change.”

Key information

Polling day is Thursday 23 October. Stations will be open from 7am to 10pm. The official statement of persons nominated notice can be found here.

Seven polling stations will be open across the ward, including Highslopes Community Centre, Castle View Academy, Paulsgrove Baptist Church, St Michael’s Church, Blakemere Crescent, Hillside and Wymering Centre, and City and Guilds training at Port Solent.