Son's tribute to Southampton council candidate who died on polling day

Graham Galton, who was standing in Coxford alongside his wife Diana, passed away suddenly on Thursday morning, May 4.

Mr Galton has been a councillor in Millbrook since May 2019—the ward his son Cllr Steven now represents for the Conservatives.

On Facebook, Cllr Steven wrote a lengthy post in which he talked about his father's passing.

READ MORE: Polling abandoned in Southampton ward after candidate dies

Cllr Steven wrote: "Last Thursday was the day mum, dad, and I were attempting to become local councillors again. Normally I would have been the first with updates, but last Thursday Dad said his final goodbye to us all.

"We don't know what caused his very sudden passing, but over the coming days and weeks, we are hopeful that the coroner can provide us with some answers.

"We are glad he died at home and without pain, with mum by his side. The last few days have been so hard and painful for us all, but we are moving forward one step at a time.

"Mum especially wants to send her thanks for those who have messaged and for all the kind things people have said—my dad was definitely someone who, in his quiet ways, had time and love for everyone." 

Graham Galton (Image: Newsquest)

After the death of Mr Galton, polling was abandoned in Coxford, and a new election for the ward will be held within 35 working days. 

In his post, Cllr Steven revealed that his mum is still planning to stand in the ward elections. 

He added: "Mum is determined to stand in the Coxford election still. This is something Dad would have wanted her to do. He had been campaigning so hard with mum and Paul Nolan and knows how hard they have been working together since 2019.

"At an incredibly difficult time for us as a family, actually being elected as councillors and being in a position to really help others is something that is keeping us all going." 

READ MORE: Tributes to 'incredibly kind, warm and friendly' councillor who died on polling day

Cllr Steven and Diana are also hoping that Vikkie Cheng, who ran as a conservative candidate in Millbrook alongside him and Jeremy Moulton, would be able to fill his father's seat in the Coxford election.

Graham Galton (Image: Graham Galton)

He said: "On another bad night for Conservatives, here in Millbrook Ward, I have been elected for a fourth-year term and will be joined by Jeremy for the next three years at least.

"Dad would have been so proud and happy to see me as a councillor again. 

"As someone who has lost more elections than won, on such a hard night for us all nationally, to come back after losing my seat last year would have been all he wanted to see.

"Vikkie Cheng came in fourth by just a handful of votes and wasn't able to make it three out of three for us. 

"We know Labour will continue to run the council and do so with a very much increased majority.

"Due to Dad's death on polling day itself, the Coxford election was suspended. 

"The rules mean that as a party candidate, dad can be replaced on the ballot paper by another Local Conservatives candidate.

"I know that speaking with mum, she hopes that Vikkie will take Dad's place on the Coxford ballot paper; when my mum tried twice in 2019 to be elected in Coxford, Vikkie did an incredible amount to help her campaigns. 

"However, the local party will follow the candidate selection processes to select our third candidate."