Cotswold Lib Dems gain council seat from Greens in by-election
The Liberal Democrats have gained a seat from the Green Party in a Cotswold by-election.
Craig Thurling has been elected to represent The Rissingtons at Cotswold District Council.
The by-election was triggered after Andrew Macclean stood down for health reasons, saw a voter turnout of 42.8 per cent.
The Lib Dem candidate polled 321 ahead of the Conservatives, Reform UK and the Green Party on 268, 221 and 47 respectively.
The Rissingtons was previously won by the Green Party’s Andrew Maclean in 2019 and 2023.
The Lib Dems did not stand in either of these elections
Speaking after his victory, Councillor Thurling said he was “thrilled” to be elected.
“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.
“My campaign focused on three clear priorities: tackling the cost of living, protecting local hospital services, and getting more road repairs. I’ll now use my position on the council to keep pushing on these issues and to stand up for residents whenever concerns are raised.”
The current political makeup of the council is now 22 Lib Dems, ten Conservatives, one Green Party councillor and an Independent.
Jane Portman, council chief executive and returning officer, said: “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 The Rissingtons ward and across the Cotswolds.”