Satvir Kaur MP to stand down as Southampton City Councillor

The Labour politician and former council leader has announced she will stand down as Shirley ward councillor to "focus all her energy" on her parliamentary role.

Ms Kaur has served on Southampton City Council since she was first elected in 2011, then as a cabinet member and leader of the opposition before becoming leader of the council in 2022. 

Her resignation has now triggered a by-election which will take place in the next 35 days to elect a new member in Shirley.

The MP, who was elected for Southampton Test on July 4, said being a councillor has been a "privilege and an honour" adding that Shirley is "a great area with so much to offer".

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"In my time, I have worked with the most inspiring individuals and compassionate communities who are there for each other when it’s needed.

"I look forward to continuing to work with them in my new role, to make our area and city better for everyone.

"I can best serve the people of Shirley as their new Member of Parliament and by giving this new role my full attention and commitment.

"I joined politics to help change people’s lives, enrich our communities, and help reach our city’s huge potential.

"I shall continue to work with all my councillor colleagues locally and with the new Labour Government to achieve this."

Ms Kaur was the first person of colour to lead Southampton City Council and the first Sikh woman to lead a local authority in the UK. 

Council leader, Lorna Fielker with Southampton Test MP, Satvir Kaur (Image: Stuart Martin)

She stood down as leader in 2023 and was replaced by fellow councillor Lorna Fielker.

Her successor thanked Ms Kaur for her "unwavering commitment, passion and hard work".

"Satvir is the reason Labour won back the Council and the reason we are in a position to serve Southampton today," she said.

"She has achieved so much for Southampton already, and our communities are better off for her championing and fighting for them in Parliament now.

"It is understandable she wants to give her new role her undivided attention.

"I am already pleased to be working with Satvir as our new MP and I look forward to working with whoever becomes the new councillor for Shirley ward.

"I hope they serve the Shirley community as diligently as Satvir did."

Labour has announced that former councillor Victoria Ugwoeme, who narrowly lost her Woolston seat to the Tories in the May local elections, will contest the Shirley ward for Labour in the upcoming by-election.

Ms Kaur added that her new office has now been set up and is now offering surgery appointments to residents.