Councillor Shank will serve until May 2027.
A by-election took place in the Shirley Ward on Thursday 26 February 2026 following the resignation of George Percival.
Christopher Michael Shank (commonly known as Chris Shank), representing the Liberal Democrat Party, was elected. Councillor Shank will serve the remaining term created by the vacancy until May 2027.
The full breakdown of results is as follows:
Total votes cast: 3,581
- Paul Chance – Reform UK: 681
- James Clark – Labour Party: 954
- Joanne Clements – Green Party: 539
- David Cowley – Trade Union and Socialist Coalition: 16
- Andy Palmer – Conservative Party: 288
- Andrew Douglas Pope – Independent Network: 122
- Chris Shank – Liberal Democrat: 975
The turnout was 35% of the total eligible electorate.
The new make-up of Southampton City Council is as follows:
- Labour - 31
- Conservative - 9
- Liberal Democrat - 7
- Green - 2
- Independent - 1
- Reform UK - 1
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