Zak Southward is Labour’s candidate in the Eastleigh Central by-election on Thursday 8th May. He has lived in Eastleigh for a decade and is standing because he believes our town deserves better after 30 years of Liberal Democrat control on the Borough Council.
Zak knows the challenges residents face because he shares them. From crumbling roads and rising antisocial behaviour to lost bus routes and a town centre in decline, he’s heard the same frustrations on doorsteps across the community. He’s standing to offer a fresh start; someone focused on getting the basics right and delivering real results for local people.
Zak brings experience from both public service and the private sector. He has worked in roles supporting communities and services, and previously managed a group of small, independent hospitality businesses here in Hampshire. That mix of frontline experience and practical leadership means he understands how councils work—and how they could work better.
He also believes it’s time to change the way decisions are made in our area. Zak supports Labour’s call for stronger, more accountable local leadership, including replacing Hampshire County Council and Eastleigh Borough Council with a single unitary authority and an elected mayor. After decades of one-party control, many residents feel the council is out of touch and resistant to change. Zak is backing a new model that would mean clearer leadership, better value for money, and a more transparent system that works for everyone. While the Liberal Democrats oppose this reform, Zak believes Eastleigh deserves local leadership that puts residents first and Hampshire on the map.
If elected, Zak’s priorities will be:
- Fixing the roads by holding Hampshire County Council to account and pushing for proper repairs
- Revitalising the town centre, cleaning up our high street and by supporting small businesses and tackling empty shops
- Tackling antisocial behaviour and making Eastleigh feel safer for everyone
- Investing in green spaces to ensure everyone has access to clean, welcoming parks
- Fighting cuts to bus services and campaigning for affordable, reliable transport
At last year’s local election, Labour came just 92 votes short of winning Eastleigh Central with the Conservatives and Reform UK in a distant 3rd and 4th place. This time, Zak is urging residents to back him for a better Eastleigh; one that works, and one we can all be proud of.
Cllr Josh Constable, who stood in Eastleigh Central Ward in 2024 said:
“I’ve worked with Zak locally for the past 3 years, he’s the sort of community champion we need. Help me elect him as another strong Labour representative for our town.”