Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said “no seat is safe” as she visited Gosport, putting the spotlight on the battle for Hampshire County Council.
Speaking at UK Docks in Victoria Quay on Friday, she pointed to a tighter local race, pressure on council budgets and growing competition from rival parties ahead of the elections.
The route included a tour of the docks, which are set to become a key site for maintaining 194 Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels, and a boat trip.
The visit came at a crucial time, less than a week out from two elections in the town next week.
Both Conservative-controlled Hampshire County Council and Liberal Democrat-controlled Gosport Borough Council will go to the polls.
“We are no longer in a two-party system,” Badenoch said. “It’s not just the Liberal Democrats—Reform, the Greens—everyone is competing. Every single vote has to be earned.”
Council funding and rising costs were central to the discussion.
“I understand that people feel Hampshire doesn’t have much money,” she said. “But what really worries us is the cost of living. We don’t want people paying more and more council tax.”
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She pointed to adult social care is the biggest pressure on spending, with an ageing population, “more people need care, and more of the council’s budget is going on that," she said.
Despite these challenges, she defended the Conservative-led council’s record, describing its performance as a “great job”.
She said: "They’ve found savings and made sure there’s no black hole in funding so they can continue delivering services.”
Speaking about opponents, particularly Reform UK, she said that the Conservatives “have the best offer”, over a party that is making promises “they cannot deliver".
“A lot of people have gone to Reform because of the noise they are making. But we are focused on serious, deliverable plans.”
With the election approaching, Badenoch said local campaigning would be key.
She said: “There are no safe seats anymore. Our candidates are out there showing how well-run public services can be delivered while keeping council tax low.
“That’s why I keep urging people to continue voting for Conservatives. It’s critical that if we want well-run councils, people vote for Conservatives.”
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