Shrimpers Trust Launch Election Special Podcast

The Shrimpers Trust has hosted its second elections digital hustings, giving Shrimpers fans the opportunity to hear directly from those contesting the upcoming local council elections about all things Southend United.

This hour-long podcast contains interviews with group leaders and candidates from the following political Parties:

Confelicity
Conservative
Green Party
Labour
Liberal Democrats
Reform

Shrimpers Trust Chair James Schooley had the following to say: “We are delighted to present this podcast to Southend United supporters and local residents. With an important couple of years coming up for the football club and its future survival and success, we felt it was hugely important that group leaders and candidates for the upcoming Local Election have the opportunity to tell you how they will champion Southend United.”

All politicians were asked the same four questions:

1. If you are elected to Southend on Sea City Council, what can you do to help protect and preserve the long-term success and sustainability of Southend United?
2. The redevelopment of Roots Hall stadium, which is so pivotal for Southend United’s continuing existence, would be plunged into doubt without the proposed flow of money from the planned residential development at Fossetts Farm to the football club. What will you be doing to help get the Fossetts Farm development through, if anything?
3. Essex’s Local Government Reorganisation is set to take effect fully from April 2028. Do you see this impacting the Fossetts Farm plans or the ability/willingness of local government to work with Southend United? If so, how?
4. What are your long-term aspirations for Southend United and its role in the city?

The podcast is live in the following places:

Spotify
Apple
Deezer
Acast
Amazon

Recorded between 23rd April – 3rd May 2026

The Shrimpers Trust wrote to all candidates in the upcoming election, as well as group leaders.

For more information on the Southend-on-Sea Council 2026 election, please visit: https://www.southend.gov.uk/elections

In our request to candidates, we have also offered the option for written statements and have the following submitted by Independent Candidate for Westborough, Gary Kandinsky

1. If you are elected to Southend on Sea City Council, what can you do to help protect and preserve the long-term success and sustainability of Southend United?

Attend and spend. Encourage others when matches provide a means to attract fresh support.

2. The redevelopment of Roots Hall stadium, which is so pivotal for Southend United’s continuing existence, would be plunged into doubt without the proposed flow of money from the planned residential development at Fossetts Farm to the football club. What will you be doing to help get the Fossetts Farm development through, if anything?

I do not encounter much enthusiasm for more housing at Fossetts Farm. If there is to be any, I would want to see the most consultation with Southenders across the City. I would also want assurances on infrastructure and Social Housing. I do not expect the Developers to play to FA rules. The city and the Club cannot be held hostage forever. If money comes from the delivery of an agreeable scheme, then that’s welcome. But the club is about Football and the City and not poor quality unaffordable housing or even Social Housing schemes that benefit London.

3. Essex’s Local Government Reorganisation is set to take effect fully from April 2028. Do you see this impacting the Fossetts Farm plans or the ability/willingness of local government to work with Southend United? If so, how?

My football is leather, not crystal.

4. What are your long-term aspirations for Southend United and its role in the city?

My ambition is initially promotion next season. The last two seasons we have been too variable. We probably need three very good young players that do well at the club and produce some cash later. One really good experienced older player would be useful too. Access to and within the ground needs improving. Longer term, I’d like to see the Club progress further up the divisions and attract returning visitors to the City, perhaps achieved through linking the City’s spring, autumn and Xmas events to match day attendance.