Cllr Dave Shields has represented Freemantle ward since 2012, when he gained the seat from the Conservatives by just 70 votes. Today, Freemantle is one of Labour’s strongest wards, with majorities of nearly 1,000.
Dave initially served as secretary to the Labour Group before joining the Cabinet in 2013, where he led on adult social care and public health. His responsibilities later expanded to include community safety, homelessness prevention, and climate change. Dave has chaired the Governance Committee, later serving as Sheriff in 2023 and subsequently as Lord Mayor of Southampton. He currently chairs the Scrutiny Panel Inquiry into Housing.
Dave chose to stand for office following a long career in local government, specialising in public health, community safety, and regeneration. He is a committed supporter of trade unions and serves on the local UNISON branch committee as communications and international officer. He is also active in the Co-operative Party, the Socialist Health Association, and the Labour Campaign for Electoral Reform.
Outside politics, Dave is carer, and a lifelong Saints fan and season ticket holder. His other interests include dog walking and pub quizzes.