Graham Bocking has made history as the first Reform UK councillor elected to Tewkesbury Borough Council, representing the Northway ward following a by-election on July 10. Previously a Conservative, Bocking secured 374 votes, defeating Liberal Democrat Guy Fancourt, who received 279 votes.
The by-election turnout was 25.31 percent and was held following the passing of respected councillor Elaine MacTiernan. Other candidates included Conservative Kevin Cromwell (116 votes), Green Party’s James Robins (91 votes), and Labour’s Joseph Jones (44 votes).
Bocking highlighted that the key issues influencing voters were concerns over the proposed large-scale housing development near junction 9 of the M5, now referred to as a series of connected garden communities. This scheme, formerly known as Tewkesbury Garden Town, plans for around 10,000 new homes.
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“The garden town project is one of the biggest issues impacting Northway,” Bocking said. “The name keeps changing, and so does the scale. The Liberal Democrats campaigned against it before the last election but have since doubled the planned development after gaining power — and that did not sit well with many voters.”
In addition to housing concerns, traffic congestion and flooding remain major worries for residents. Bocking explained, “Flooding is a significant issue, especially with new developments increasing the risk. The cumulative impact analyzed in flood risk assessments is a constant concern.”
The current makeup of Tewkesbury Borough Council includes 16 Liberal Democrats, 9 Conservatives, 7 Independents, 4 Greens, 2 Isbourne and Winchcombe Independents, and now 1 Reform UK councillor.