COUNCILLORS elected in this year’s city council elections could only stand for one year as a full election looms in 2023. 

Successful candidates in Thursday’s election will have to bid for re-election in just 12 months’ time as an election of all councillors takes place next year. 

Currently, residents in the city head to the polls every three years to elect one third of ward councillors each time. 

In contrast, other local authorities in the country only hold an election every four years. 

However, in 2023, all Southampton councillors will have to stand again as the ward boundaries are altered in the city. 

These changes will see the creation of a new council ward in Bargate as a result of population growth over recent years. 

Next year, the ward will be split into Bargate North and Bargate South, resulting in changes to some wards around it as well areas such as Bassett and Swaythling. 

READ MORE: Bargate council ward in Southampton could be split in two

Deputy leader of the council, Cllr Jeremy Moulton explained that Southampton’s population has “grown in recent years” meaning that the city is now at the stage where it needs a rethink. 

“Some of the wards are disproportionate, particularly the Bargate ward,” he said. 

“For the ones living in Bargate, their vote wouldn’t count for as much.”

READ MORE: Civic chiefs back proposals for new ward in Southampton

Cllr Moulton added that all councillors have been aware of this and that parties have taken this into consideration when putting together their plans. 

Southampton City Council operates with 48 elected councillors and operates with a Leader and Cabinet.

The Leader of the council is elected every year at the annual meeting of the council who then appoints a Cabinet of between two and nine members.

READ MORE: Southampton City Council elections 2022: Who's running?

Currently, there are 25 Conservative councillors in Southampton, whilst Labour holds 22 seats on the authority. 

One vacancy currently exists meaning that there are only 47 sitting councillors at this time. 

The Conservatives took control of the authority in last year's election after Labour held the council for nine years. 

Reports have recently claimed that Labour is expected to do well in major city's, whilst the Conservatives are expected to retain council's in smaller towns. 

The results of this year's election will be announced early on Friday morning. 

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