Portsmouth City Council has published the official list of candidates standing for election in the city on 7 May 2026. Residents will be voting to fill one seat in each of the 14 wards, with approximately 72 candidates competing for positions across the city.
The election is being overseen by Returning Officer Natalie Brahma-Pearl, who operates from the Civic Offices in Guildhall Square. Polling stations will be open to voters from 7am until 10pm on election day.
This year’s ballot carries specific significance due to upcoming changes to local government. Portsmouth is set to merge with Havant, Gosport, and Fareham to form a new South East Hampshire unitary authority in April 2028. Because of this, the councillors elected this May will serve a shortened, two-year term.
Voters are reminded that photo identification is now required to cast a ballot at a polling station. Accepted forms of ID include a UK passport, driving licence, blue badge, bus passes, and PASS cards. Further information on these requirements can be found via the Electoral Commission.
For those who cannot vote in person, there are specific deadlines to arrange alternative voting methods. The deadline to register to vote is 20 April 2026. Applications for postal votes must be submitted by 5pm on 21 April 2026, and the deadline for proxy vote applications is 5pm on 28 April 2026.
The council is currently led by a minority Liberal Democrat administration holding 18 seats. Among those seeking re-election is Council Leader Steve Pitt, who is defending his seat in the Milton ward. Other political groups currently represented on the council include Reform UK with 10 seats, Labour with nine, the Conservatives with four, and one independent councillor.
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