The Liberal Democrats have successfully claimed victory in two by-elections held in the Cotswold area of Gloucestershire, prompted by the resignation of former District Council leader Joe Harris.
Andrea Pellegram has been elected to represent Cirencester Park on Gloucestershire County Council, while Naomi Bloomer has won the St Michael’s seat on Cotswold District Council.
These elections, conducted on July 2, followed Harris’s departure from both councils in May as he opted to pursue a new career path.
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Councillor Bloomer expressed gratitude to her constituents for their confidence and acknowledged the challenge of succeeding Joe Harris. “I will strive to be the dedicated and passionate councillor that the people of St Michael’s deserve,” she said. “Thanks to my family, friends, and colleagues for their unwavering support—I look forward to working towards a better St Michael’s.”
Lisa Spivey, Liberal Democrat leader at Shire Hall and councillor for South Cerney, praised the election outcomes in Cirencester. “These results demonstrate that local residents recognize the hard work we’re undertaking and the positive changes we’re delivering across the county,” she noted.
She added, “We promised change, and we’ve delivered—retaining these seats and increasing our vote share clearly shows people’s support for our direction. We’re proud to serve local communities and warmly welcome Cllr Pellegram to the Gloucestershire Liberal Democrat team.”
Spivey also congratulated Cllr Bloomer, predicting she would be a valuable addition to the district council. “We’re excited to see the impact she will have in Cotswold District Council,” she said.
In Cirencester Park, Pellegram secured 1,369 votes, significantly outpacing Conservative candidate David Fowles, who received 429 votes, and Reform UK’s Joseph Anthony John Day with 366 votes. The Green Party’s Dylan James Brook and Labour’s Joshua Littler-Jennings garnered 111 and 59 votes respectively.
As a result, the Gloucestershire County Council is now composed of 27 Liberal Democrats, 10 Reform UK members, 9 Greens, 6 Conservatives, 2 Independents, and 1 Labour and Co-operative councillor.
On the Cotswold District Council, Bloomer attained 344 votes, ahead of Conservative Glasyn Gibson’s 112 votes, Reform UK’s Joseph Anthony John Day with 91 votes, Green Party’s Dylan James Brook with 27 votes, and Labour’s Joshua Littler-Jennings with 15 votes.
The district council’s current makeup includes 22 Liberal Democrats, 10 Conservatives, 1 Green Party councillor, and 1 Independent.