Voters in Kingswood are set to elect a new representative to Stroud District Council in a by-election scheduled for Wednesday, 2 September. The election was prompted by the resignation of Liberal Democrat councillor Holly Simkiss, who stepped down for personal reasons.
Stroud District Council, based at Ebley Mill, is currently led by the Green Party, which holds 23 of the council’s 51 seats. The chamber also includes 18 Labour councillors, six Conservative members, two independents, and one remaining Liberal Democrat.
Five candidates will contest the Kingswood ward, each presenting their vision and priorities for the community.
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Claire Cook is standing for Labour. Having served as a Bristol city councillor for eight years in the early 2000s, she emphasises the vital role of strong local government in improving people’s lives. Cook, who grew up in Stroud and currently lives in Wotton, stresses Labour’s commitment to equality and fairness. She highlights housing as a key issue, advocating for better opportunities for young people in Kingswood. A local business operator and town councillor, she also launched community events to raise the area’s profile. She said, “I understand that road safety, the local economy, and school funding are our community’s priorities-therefore, mine too. While I won’t promise all the answers, my record shows I can deliver results. I am comfortable asking ‘why not?’ to inspire progress.”
Alasdair Charman has lived in Kingswood for 35 years and has been a Green Party member for around 50 years. Retired from his role with the Higher Education Funding Council for England, he previously worked as an events organiser at the Natural History Museum, where he connected with leading environmentalists. Passionate about both local and global environmental issues, he seeks to represent residents' concerns about preventing unsustainable development in Kingswood. He also aims to advocate for improved local roads through the county council.
Michael Rees stands for the Reform Party. A local, raised in nearby Charfield, he attended King’s Lodge Business School before studying engineering at Berkeley Green UTC. A current county councillor, Rees enjoys engaging with residents and prioritises making efficient use of council funds. He focuses on maintaining and enhancing the council’s most valued services.
Conservative candidate Julie Roper has lived in Kingswood Ward for ten years and is deeply committed to rural and village life. With 17 years of NHS experience, her work has included visits within the ward, giving her insight into the community’s needs. She supports the Local Conservatives’ emphasis on practical governance and effective local leadership as vital to preserving the community for future generations.
The by-election offers Kingswood residents a range of choices as they decide who will best represent their interests on Stroud District Council.