By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
A Gloucestershire County Council leader has been selected as the next Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for the North Cotswolds.
Paul Hodgkinson, who is responsible for public health, communities and the fire service at Shire Hall has been selected again by his party to contest the seat in the next general election.
The Bourton-on-the-Water and Northleach councillor came second behind Conservative Party candidate Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown in last year’s general election.
He has represented that division for 12 years and is also a councillor on Cotswold District Council representing Chedworth and Churn Valley
In Cirencester, he holds the cabinet position for health, culture and visitor experience.
“I’ve lived in the area for 35 years and understand the challenges many residents face because I feel them too,” he said.
“I believe we can do better – on the NHS, on the cost of living, on decent public services, and on protecting our beautiful environment. My focus is on delivering for people who live here – not Westminster games.”
Cllr Hodgkinson believes he is the “clear challenger” and “only candidate who can beat Reform UK” at the next election.
However, Conservative MP Sir Geoffrey, who represented the now abolished Cotswolds constituency, won the North Cotswold seat in 2024 with 17,426 ahead of Cllr Hodgkinson on 14,069, Labour polled 8,593.
Reform UK and the Green Party candidate received 6,502 and 3,191 votes respectively and an Independent polled 448.
The North Cotswolds seat includes parts of the current district of Cotswold and Stroud as well as parts of Tewkesbury borough.
The next general election is expected to be held no later than August 15, 2029.