2026 Fareham Borough Council election

2026 Fareham Borough Council election

7 May 2026 (2026-05-07)

16 out of 32 seats to Fareham Borough Council
17 seats needed for a majority
 
Leader Simon Martin
Party Conservative Liberal Democrats
Last election 22 seats, 45.9% 8 seats, 28.1%
Current seats 24[1] 6

 
Party Labour Independent
Last election 1 seat, 15.2% 1 seat, 5.3%
Current seats 1 1

Incumbent Leader

Simon Martin
Conservative



The 2026 Fareham Borough Council election will be held on 7 May 2026, alongside the other local elections across the United Kingdom being held on the same day, to elect 16 of 32 members of Fareham Borough Council in Hampshire, England.[2]

Due to ongoing local government reorganisation, this will be the final election to Fareham Borough Council before it is abolished and replaced by a successor unitary authority. Elections to the successor authority are due to take place in 2027.

Summary

Background

In 2024, the Conservative Party retained control of the council.[3][4]

Council composition

After 2024 election Before 2026 election
Party Seats Party Seats
Conservative 22 Conservative 24
Liberal Democrats 8 Liberal Democrats 6
Labour 1 Labour 1
Independent 1 Independent 1

Changes 2024–2026:

  • December 2024: Lisa Whittle (Liberal Democrats) leaves party to sit as an independent[5]
  • February 2025: Paul Whittle (Liberal Democrats) leaves party to sit as an independent[6]
  • May 2025: Lisa Whittle (Independent) and Paul Whittle (Independent) join Conservatives[7]

Election result

2026 Fareham Borough Council election[1]
Party This election Full council This election
Seats Net Seats % Other Total Total % Votes Votes % +/−
  Conservative 11
  Liberal Democrats 3
  Labour 1
  Independent 1
  Green 0
  Reform UK 0

Incumbents

Ward Incumbent councillor Party Re-standing
Avenue Roger Bird Conservative
Fareham Park Lisa Birkett Conservative
Fareham Town Kirsten Wiltshire Liberal Democrats
Fort Fareham Stephen Ingram Conservative
Hill Head Steve Dugan Conservative
Hook-with-Warsash Friar Burgess Conservative
Locks Heath Malcolm Daniells Conservative
Park Gate Simon Martin Conservative
Portchester Castle David Wiltshire Liberal Democrats
Portchester Wicor Paul Whittle Conservative
Sarisbury & Whiteley David Foot Conservative
Stubbington Jacquie Needham Conservative
Titchfield Tiffany Harper Conservative
Titchfield Common Andrew Murphy Conservative
Uplands & Funtley Louise Clubley Conservative
Wallington & Downend Alison West Liberal Democrats

Candidates

References

  1. ^ a b "Fareham Council Composition: Latest". opencouncildata.co.uk. Open Council Data UK. Archived from the original on 5 February 2026. Retrieved 5 February 2026.
  2. ^ "Elections and Voting". www.fareham.gov.uk. Retrieved 30 January 2026.
  3. ^ "Fareham Borough Council local elections results: full list". Daily Echo. 3 May 2024. Retrieved 30 January 2026.
  4. ^ "Fareham result - Local Elections 2024". BBC News. Retrieved 30 January 2026.
  5. ^ Boothroyd, David. "Down Brierley Hill and up Dale". LocalCouncils.co.uk. Retrieved 7 February 2026.
  6. ^ Boothroyd, David. "SNP move in for the Killie". LocalCouncils.co.uk. Retrieved 7 February 2026.
  7. ^ Needs, Noni (20 May 2025). "Councillors switching parties". Daily Echo. Retrieved 7 February 2026.