Liberal Democrats Secure By-Election Win in Cotswolds

The Liberal Democrats have successfully won a council seat from the Green Party in a recent by-election held in The Rissingtons, a ward within the Cotswold District Council. The election, which took place on October 25, 2023, was necessitated by the resignation of former councillor Andrew Maclean due to health issues.

Craig Thurling, the Liberal Democrat candidate, received considerable support, securing 321 votes. This placed him ahead of the Conservative Party, Reform UK, and the Green Party, which garnered 268, 221, and 47 votes respectively. The voter turnout for this election was recorded at 42.8%, reflecting a significant engagement from the local community.

Transition of Political Power

The Rissingtons, previously represented by Andrew Maclean of the Green Party since 2019, saw the Liberal Democrats capitalize on the opportunity presented by his departure. Notably, the Liberal Democrats did not field candidates in the last two elections, making this victory particularly significant as it marks a shift in the political landscape of the area.

Following his election, Councillor Thurling expressed his gratitude and excitement. He stated, “It’s a real honour to represent such a beautiful part of the Cotswolds and I want to thank everyone who put their trust in me. To those who supported other candidates, or didn’t vote at all, I want you to know that I will work hard for you and be a strong voice on the issues that matter most locally.”

His campaign was anchored on three main priorities: addressing the rising cost of living, safeguarding local hospital services, and advocating for increased road repairs. Thurling emphasized that he would leverage his position to continue addressing these pressing community concerns.

Council Composition and Future Goals

With this recent election, the current political configuration of Cotswold District Council now consists of 22 Liberal Democrats, 10 Conservatives, one Green Party councillor, and one Independent member. This development reflects a shift towards a more diverse representation within the council.

Jane Portman, the council’s chief executive and returning officer, commented on the election’s significance, stating, “Thank you to everyone who stood, supported, and voted in The Rissingtons by-election. Your voice matters in leaving a lasting legacy for our district. We look forward to working with Cllr Thurling to serve the interests of residents, businesses, and communities in The Rissingtons ward and across the Cotswolds.”

As the new councillor prepares to take office, the local community is keenly observing how these changes will influence policies and services in the region.