Inside life as a Bitterne Park councillor

The realities of standing for office, navigating council work, and facing residents online.

Why do people put themselves forward as councillors? What does the role actually involve? How much are they paid - and what horrors can they face when campaigning on the doorstep?

Rather than a Paxman-style grilling on party positions, this full conversation with Bitterne Park ward councillor Phil Webb (Lab) offers a frank, non-partisan look at life in local office.

He talks about what drew him to stand, what his daily responsibilities actually involve, and the challenge of juggling council duties with work and family.

He also considers how much power councillors really have, reflects on the sometimes divisive reactions he encounters when trying to update residents on public forums, and shares his thoughts on the next local elections in May 2026.

It was recorded in early August 2025.

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