AN EASTLEIGH politician has slammed the borough council’s leadership in a damning letter to residents after stepping down.

Jephthe Doguie triggered a by-election for the central Eastleigh ward after handing in his resignation earlier this year.

Now though - in a letter to residents, the departing Lib Dem councillor has branded the council a “toxic environment which was led by spineless cowards”.

Last April, Jephthe was one of 13 Eastleigh councillors to vote against the expansion of Southampton Airport’s runway.

He says it was a vital decision and one he is proud of.

Jephthe added that he “no longer has respect for” the council and thanked residents for electing him in 2018 and again in 2019.

In his letter, he said: “I believe local democracy must be inclusive, diverse in ideas and opinions.

“It is therefore extremely important for young people to have a seat at the decision-making table.

“As vital decisions such as the airport expansion are being made by members of the council who will be long dead when the negative climate impact is in full flow, and they will certainly not be around to answer for their actions.

“It is therefore essential for young people to be involved in these decisions that will ultimately be impacting many generations to come.”

In response, leader of the council, Cllr Keith House said: “The airport vote by the council was one not on party political lines. All councillors had to reach their own decision.”

He added: “I am sorry that Jephthe was not prepared to value the democratic decision that came from that vote.

“But it is clear that the majority of councillors support the jobs and economic value of the airport to the town and the wider area and want it to survive for the future, creating the wealth needed to tackle climate change.”

The outgoing councillor added that he also has personal reasons for leaving his role. 

His resignation comes after fellow Liberal Democrat councillor, Tina Campbell, stepped down from her cabinet role after the airport decision.

Polling takes place on Thursday between 7am and 10pm.

Candidates include Josh Constable for the Labour and Co-operative Party, Bhavin Dedhia for the Liberal Democrats, Reform UK’s Clare Lorraine Fawcett; Conservative Simon Payne and Green Jack Stapleton. Polling stations will be at the Masonic Hall on Cranbury Road, Guide HQ on Hoddinott Road and at Cranbury Community Centre on Cranbury Road.