Next week, voters in The Beeches ward of Cirencester will decide who will fill the vacant district council seat in a by-election triggered by the resignation of Liberal Democrat Nigel Robbins. Having served since 2015, Robbins stepped down, prompting a contest featuring candidates from five parties: Conservative, Green, Labour, Liberal Democrat, and Reform UK.
The Liberal Democrats currently lead Cotswold District Council with 21 councillors, while the Conservatives hold 10 seats, alongside one Green councillor and one independent.
Polling stations will be open on March 12 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Cirencester Opportunity Group on Beeches Road.
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Each candidate has outlined their priorities:
Paul Evans (Liberal Democrat) brings over 20 years of Cirencester residency and experience as a town councillor and local charity trustee. Evans pledges to advocate for preserving Cirencester Hospital services, support residents facing rising living costs by connecting them to local aid, and prioritize repairing roads, paths, and pavements, coordinating closely with Lib Dem county councillors who have injected £15 million into road improvements.
Bob Irving (Green Party) has been approached for comment.
Joshua Littler-Jennings (Labour) emphasizes his lifelong connection to Cirencester and aims to tackle long-standing challenges including the cost of living. He welcomes recent national government measures that ease financial pressures and positions himself as a responsive representative committed to delivering practical solutions and fostering unity. Littler-Jennings critiques the incumbent Lib Dem administration and Reform UK for not addressing constituent interests adequately.
Mackenzie Vaughan (Reform UK) leverages his background as a qualified youth worker and community development practitioner. He seeks to improve council transparency, taxpayer value, and safeguard The Beeches’ character while facilitating appropriate service and infrastructure enhancements. Vaughan highlights concerns about community safety, speeding, parking shortages, waste collection, and street cleanliness, promising proactive engagement with authorities to resolve these issues.
Ben Shaw (Conservative) combines his professional expertise as an environmental chemist and hazardous waste manager with extensive local involvement. Shaw is focused on evidence-based decision-making, environmental responsibility, fiscal prudence, and long-term community wellbeing. A resident of The Beeches, he advocates for visible and accountable representation and is committed to maintaining and enhancing the quality of life for all residents.
As election day approaches, voters in The Beeches have a diverse slate of candidates who each bring unique perspectives and plans to serve their community on the district council.