Tony Dale, the Northleach councillor for Cotswold District Council, has made a remarkable comeback to the council’s cabinet after surviving a devastating car crash during a family holiday in Italy in July 2024.
The Liberal Democrat member endured life-threatening injuries when his hire car was rear-ended by a lorry, leaving him with a collapsed lung, broken ribs, a severed carotid artery, and severe spinal damage. Airlifted to a hospital in Padua, Dale faced a 50/50 chance of survival. After emergency surgery and three weeks of treatment in Italy, he was transferred back to the UK for further care in Gloucester, followed by six months at the Salisbury Spinal Treatment Centre.
Supported by his wife, family, and fellow councillors—and buoyed by more than 500 visitors—Dale overcame the challenge and returned to active council service. This month, he assumed the cabinet role for health, culture, and visitor experience, succeeding Paul Hodgkinson who stepped down after two and a half years to focus on his roles at Gloucestershire County Council and as the prospective Liberal Democrat MP for North Cotswolds.
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Commenting on his return, Cllr Dale said, “It’s great to be rejoining the cabinet. I look forward to collaborating with partners and council officers to enhance the health and wellbeing of our residents, broaden cultural access, and implement the Cotswold parking strategy approved last December.”
Council leader Mike Evemy welcomed Dale back, highlighting his expertise and dedication, and thanked Paul Hodgkinson for his valuable service.