Cllr Lesley Meenaghan is a councillor on Gosport Borough Council and Hampshire County Council.
When I decided to stand again for Harbourside & Town Ward, I knew it wouldn’t be easy. Labour had held this seat since 1996. After spending 15 years as the community police sergeant here and living right in its heart, I’ve built strong connections with this community. Standing as a councillor felt like the natural next step.
This by-election marked my fifth attempt to win the ward. After narrowly losing by just 30 votes in May, we regrouped, refined our strategy, and took on the challenge.
The sad passing of Labour Councillor Alan Durant triggered the by-election. With only six weeks to prepare, our team leapt into action. Having already faced four elections this year, including the General Election and another by-election, our campaign machine was finely tuned.
Yes, election fatigue was real, but we had a solid plan built on three key pillars:
1. Data-Driven Canvassing:
Using VoteSource, we identified key groups – lifelong Conservatives, swing voters, and those impacted by the winter fuel allowance cut. This data guided our conversations and meant we weren’t wasting time. The focus paid off. Even staunch Labour supporters told us they couldn’t vote for their party anymore – or were staying home. Every swing matters, and we knew it.
2. Relentlessly Positive Messaging:
Thanks to our campaign manager, Harry Davis, our leaflets stood out for all the right reasons—they focused on solutions, not slinging mud. While Labour and the Lib Dems leaned into negative campaigning, we stayed optimistic, talking about what we could deliver.
3. Relentless canvassing and a stellar team:
We targeted high-turnout areas and knocked on every door—often revisiting. Conversations weren’t always easy. People were frustrated after 14 years of Conservative leadership, but we listened. Our literature reflected their concerns, showing we weren’t just hearing them – we were acting on it.
Our delivery/back office support network was amazing, freeing me to focus on face-to-face conversations with residents. Social media added another layer—positive, engaging, and relatable.
Anger and frustration on the doorstep
This campaign wasn’t just about policy – it was about emotion. The anger and sense of betrayal from older residents hit hard.
Harbourside & Town has pockets of real hardship, and the winter fuel allowance cuts hurt. Imagine missing out by just 31p—it’s ridiculous, and people were rightfully fuming. Add to that the 15 per cent no-strings-attached pay rise for train drivers, and even die-hard Labour voters felt let down. Some told me outright they couldn’t vote Labour ever again, while others chose to stay home.
Election Day: The final push
Polling day brought its own challenges. Snow, rain, and icy winds made it tough for voters and campaigners alike, but our team rose to the occasion. With tellers at all three polling stations and a central HQ keeping everything running smoothly, we were ready for anything.
Our MP, Dame Caroline Dinenage, got stuck in, ferrying voters to polling stations in her car. That’s the kind of team spirit we had.
At 5 PM, our neighbouring association stepped in to give our team a breather so we could attend our autumn fundraising dinner – a testament to the camaraderie and coordination behind the scenes.
Victory declared
The count told us everything we needed to know. Conservative votes piled high, leaving no doubt we’d done it. Securing 48 per cent of the vote in a field of six candidates wasn’t just a win – it was a statement.
For me, it was emotional. Five campaigns in this ward, and finally, we’d turned the tide.
Harbourside & Town Ward isn’t just a place I represent – it’s my home. It’s where I’ve worked alongside residents to tackle challenges, and now, as their councillor, I’m ready to push for the investment and solutions this community deserves.
By focusing on people’s real concerns, offering clear solutions, and staying relentlessly positive, we proved that a campaign built on hope and hard work can succeed – even in a ward Labour had held for nearly three decades.