Leader’s Corner

Over recent months, we have been working closely with other authorities in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to put forward proposals for new, larger councils as part of the government’s Local Government Reorganisation programme.  

This week has seen a definite change in our weather. A reminder that the end of summer is here.

The young people are going back to school next week and, although there will be a sigh of relief from many parents, there is also sadness in the air for the end of summer. Personally, I’ve always welcomed the approach of autumn. I love that time of transition when change is in the air and the new football season has started.

It’s not just the school children who are looking at new objectives for the school year ahead, many of us are using this time to set new objectives in our careers and personal lives.

One of the big goals for many of us is to be fitter and healthier. This is a goal close to our hearts and that’s why a Healthier Southampton is one of our City Plan missions.

The development of the Southampton Outdoor Sports Centre is part of this mission, with 56 acres dedicated to helping people of all ages get active, making sure there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Recently, Limonta Smith has been appointed to deliver specialist construction works and installation of state-of-the-art all weather floodlit 3G pitches at the Centre. The improvements will involve replacing four existing grass pitches with high-quality, all-weather surfaces. The new facilities will include an 11v11 full-size pitch and two 9v9 pitches, each designed for flexibility to accommodate a range of age groups and small-sided matches.

Another part of our Healthier Southampton mission is the brand-new multi-use games area at Aldermoor Park. The extensive refurbishment includes two goal ends for football and basketball, fresh court markings surrounded by new fencing with a small outdoor gym next to the games area.

If the turn in the weather means that you are looking for indoor activities instead, leading leisure operator, BH Live, is taking over the running of our sports centres from Monday 1 September. They are preparing for some autumn offers to help you make your fitness goals a reality.

But healthier is not just about our bodies, our mental health is just as important. Adult workshops provide a haven for creativity to help rebalance our minds. Our cultural venues offer creative workshops and exhibitions to inspire and uplift. There are many other offers to support mental health available across the city including at our Family Hubs.

Another change in the air is that students are coming back into the city. I am very proud that Southampton boasts two leading universities, and they play a big part in all of our five city plan missions. But they are a cornerstone for a Growing Southampton bringing innovation and talented young people to our great city. Let’s embrace this season of change and make the most of the opportunities ahead.

Like many cities we have seen the appearance of flags on lamp posts, railings, and roundabouts. As a council, we fully support the right of individuals to express their identity and heritage through responsible and lawful displays but encourage those to do so on their own private property, while being mindful of their fellow members of the community.

Southampton is home to people of many backgrounds, and we take pride in being a welcoming and respectful city.

Painting signs, roundabouts, and other public property can be highly distracting and could pose a health and safety risk – especially on the city’s roads. We will deal with this issue on a case-by-case basis through planned maintenance, and we will continue to monitor the situation and work with partners where necessary.

As we look ahead to the start of the new school year, I am constantly reminded of Southampton’s commitment to supporting our young people and their families. In the last week, I’ve been out and about meeting local businesses and residents to hear about the challenges around keeping young people positively engaged in the community and how we can achieve our ambition to become a safer, more equal city. A city focused on growth and opportunity.

This city is all about creating opportunities for young people to thrive, whether through free citywide sporting sessions, encouraging exploration of our cycle paths and green spaces, taking part in the UK Shared Prosperity funded theatre sessions or enjoying our ‘Love Where You Live’ events. The next event takes place on 13 September at Coxford Community Hub and is another opportunity for young people to get active and connect with their community at no cost.

Our schools and colleges continue to inspire, providing the very best in learning, and yesterday young people completed another milestone on their journey to adulthood, receiving GCSE exam results and completing their enrolment at sixth form or colleges. With some students set to begin apprenticeships in the coming weeks, it’s fantastic to see how young people flourish when given access to the right activities and support. To the students who didn’t receive the results they hoped for, I encourage them to speak to the college or sixth form where they have a conditional offer and discuss the next steps, alternatively the Southampton City Council website also offers support that can be accessed by searching for ‘GCSE results’. By investing in their ambitions; whether in sport, creativity, or community action, we’re also investing in the future prosperity of Southampton. The skills and confidence they develop will fuel the city’s growth and innovation for years to come.

Alongside creating opportunities for young people is another of our key City Plan priorities, safety. Safety is the heart of everything we do to protect every resident, young and old. The Council works closely with Hampshire Police and local partners to respond to the challenges facing young people today. Initiatives like Operation Sceptre and our knife surrender bins help raise awareness, reduce risk, and support safe, anonymous reporting. We know that open conversations within families about issues like anti-social behaviour are vital and we actively support the campaign ‘Hampshire every action counts’ that helps parents and carers to do just that. Our Stronger Communities team is regularly out in neighbourhoods, listening to concerns and offering support.

I’m proud that Southampton stands at the forefront of efforts to reduce youth crime, with £200,000 in funding from the Office of Police and Crime Commissioner backing our ‘Focussed Deterrent’ project through to March 2026. Working alongside Durham University, our partnership is one of only three in the country, driving innovation to reduce risks for children and young people when out in the community. Local businesses play their part too, offering safe havens to anyone feeling anxious or at risk through the Safe Places scheme, just look for the ‘Safe Places’ sticker or download the app. These collaborations strengthen our city and ensure that every young person can enjoy Southampton safely.

But none of this happens in isolation. It takes all of us; residents, families and businesses to make Southampton a place where young people are safe, supported, and ready to achieve. I encourage everyone to play their part.

If you have concerns about crime or welfare, report it by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Together, we’re building a stronger, safer city for our children and young people—now, and for generations ahead.

Today is the 80th anniversary of the Victory over Japan Day, the moment in 1945 when the Second World War came to an end. Southampton played a key role throughout the war. As a major port city, it was a place where many allied forces set off from, and the city was heavily bombed during the Blitz. It was also one of the main points of return after the war, with more than 22,000 troops and civilians returning home from the Far East arriving through Southampton in the months after VJ Day. 

This morning as I stood on the steps of the Civic Centre for a flag raising ceremony, I was deeply moved by the words spoken to honour those that gave their lives. We remember them today. We also remember the Southampton families who waited anxiously for news, and we honour those who never made it and the loved ones they left behind.

VJ Day is also a time to celebrate. Eighty years ago the streets of Southampton were filled with parties and joy. This weekend a number of commemorative events and celebrations are taking place, including Picnic in The Park organised by The Royal British Legion, and I’d encourage you, if you can, to come along. You’ll find a full programme of events on the Visit Southampton website. I’m particularly looking forward to the Beacon lighting at Holyrood Church this evening.

80 years on, I see Southampton as that same, strong and resilient city that has been built by its communities. I am proud to say that we are still a city of sanctuary for refugees fleeing conflict and a place where people can rebuild, thrive and chase their goals. This week, many of our young people took their own steps towards their future having received their A Level, BTEC and T Level results. I want to take a moment to reflect on this, as the time immediately after results day can be daunting, but, whatever your results, there’s support out there and paths forward.

It is with genuine concern that I acknowledge the rise of anti-immigration protests in our city - an unsettling reflection of division in our community. Peaceful protest is an important right we all share - but there’s no place for racism or hate in Southampton. 

We’re a proud City of Sanctuary, and that’s not just a label - it’s a reflection of our values. Southampton has a long history of welcoming people from all walks of life, from all over the world. Southampton City Council is an associate member of the City of Sanctuary Local Authority Network, together with over fifty other major towns and cities. This is a movement of councils who are working to create a culture of welcome, inclusion and empowerment for people seeking sanctuary. We work with local organisations and communities to help people adjust to life in a new country, to integrate and to be able to contribute to our society whilst providing a safe and inclusive space for all.

I want to thank every colleague, partner, and resident who’s working to keep Southampton safe and united. Your efforts matter. We’ll keep working together to make sure everyone can go about their day without fear or intimidation.  

I know some of you might be feeling anxious right now following recent reports. Please, check in on your neighbours, your colleagues, your friends. If you’re worried, or if you’ve seen or experienced a hate crime, report it to our community partner, Spectrum. And if it’s urgent, always call the police first. 

Our strong, diverse, and caring community is what makes Southampton special. That’s what makes me proud to call it home - you are welcome here.

Reporting hate crime: 

• In an emergency dial 999
• In a non-emergency call 101 or report it to Hampshire Police online
• To make an anonymous report online visit report-it or phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
• Report to the Southampton and Hampshire Hate Crime Network using the 'Love Don't Hate' reporting app. To download the app, visit Google Play or the Apple App Store and search for 'Southampton Love Don't Hate'

School’s out, sun’s out (mostly) - time to get out and enjoy Southampton.

Every child and every family should have the chance to enjoy a summer full of opportunity - no matter your bank balance.

And honestly, it doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Some of my best childhood memories come from the simplest things - a kickabout, a picnic in the park or just spending time with friends and family. That’s what summer should be about.

Our parks are looking brilliant right now. Whether it’s the wide-open spaces of Southampton Common or the play areas at St James’s and Houndwell Park, there’s loads of room to run, play, and just breathe. You can even discover new walking routes with the Go Jauntly app.

Our library teams are working with the Reading Agency again this year for 2025’s Summer Reading Challenge. The theme is Story Garden. Children can set themselves reading targets and earn rewards through your local library! Pop in and speak to one of our friendly library team members to find out more and sign up.

Our Family Hubs will be open as usual over the summer and they are running outdoor events across the city in August, at Albion Towers, Hinkler Green and Mansel Park. Bring the little ones along for some fresh air and fun.

If your child gets benefits-related free school meals, they can join the Holiday Activities and Food Programme - free activities and healthy meals all summer long.

Keep an eye on the Visit Southampton events calendar for free festivals, museum days, and pop-up performances happening all month. As well as all of the latest offers available to you, we are lucky to have a whole host of events throughout the summer including Pride, Southampton International Boat Show, Music in The City and so much more.

So, whatever your summer looks like, I hope you get to enjoy the little things - the ones that can make the biggest difference.

Local Government Reorganisation will simplify council structures across England. It’s the biggest change since 1974 and will result in current councils ceasing to exist in their present form.

From 2028, Southampton City Council will no longer exist as it does today. Instead, Southampton will become part of a newly formed council responsible for managing and delivering services across a larger area. While the exact structure of this new council is still to be determined, our great city of Southampton will remain.

The vision for our city’s future is already in motion, and we will continue to champion Southampton’s best interests. That vision is in the Southampton 2035 plan. It’s a commitment from partners across Southampton to build a more equal, healthier, safer, greener and growing Southampton.

As it is a partnership plan for the city, progress towards these missions will continue regardless of the shape of the new authority. And now, we need to hear from you. Our survey, jointly run by 12 of the 15 councils in Hampshire and Isle of Wight, is your chance to help shape the Local Government Reorganisation proposals before we make a submission to central government.

The survey closes Sunday 27 July so please take a few minutes to complete it. Share it. Talk about it. It’s your city - and your voice has never mattered more, so tell us what matters to you. 

I’m incredibly proud to be taking on the role of Leader of the council. It’s a real honour - and I’ll never take it for granted.

Southampton is my home. I grew up here, went to school here, and now I’m raising my own family here. I started my career in the Post Room at the Civic Centre when I was just 16. This city has shaped who I am, and I care deeply about its future and its residents.

We’ve got some big challenges ahead, but also some exciting opportunities - especially with Local Government Reorganisation and Devolution. These changes could help us unlock Southampton’s potential and bring real benefits to our communities.

My top priority is making sure we get the basics right. That means keeping our services running smoothly, staying financially strong, and always putting residents first.

I’ve previously served as Cabinet Member for Children and Learning, which was a huge responsibility. It taught me how important it is to protect and support our most vulnerable residents. That principle will guide me every step of the way.

Outside of work, I’m a Saints fan, I love live music and comedy and enjoy playing cricket when I can. I’m also a voluntary youth worker in the city where I work alongside some amazing volunteers and young people from all parts of our community. Most of all, I’m a dad to my young daughter who goes to school locally - so I know how important it is to make Southampton the best it can be – I want her to grow up in a city she, and all of us, can be proud of.

Let me be clear: this isn’t about me - it’s about all of us. Residents, businesses, and partners working together to shape a city we all believe in and feel connected to. I’m committed to collaboration, open conversations, and listening to your ideas and concerns.

Thank you for being so engaged and passionate about our city. I feel incredibly lucky to serve you.