A SOUTHAMPTON councillor will not be able to stand in next year's election for Labour after attending an interview with regional party bosses.

Coxford ward councillor Professor Barrie Margetts will not be put forward as a candidate for the 2023 all-out local elections. 

The former University of Southampton professor has held his seat on the council since May 2019, serving on committees including the Health and Wellbeing Board and Health Overview and Scrutiny Panel.

READ MORE: Labour win Bitterne ward in Southampton

But after attending the interview - a process every potential candidate has to go through before standing for election - he has been told he has not been placed on the panel of candidates. 

Speaking to the Echo, Cllr Margetts confirmed the news adding that he is now "considering options".

Though Cllr Margetts will not be able to stand as a Labour candidate, it is possible that he could stand as an independent or another party if he wanted.

It comes ahead of the 2023 elections when all seats on the council will be up for grabs due to a change to the city's political boundaries. Normally a third of seats will be up for grabs every four years. 

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