By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
Cotswold voters head to the polls next month to elect their representative for the Chesterton ward.
The Cotswold District Council by-election was triggered after the sudden resignation in late November of Liberal Democrat Roly Hughes.
The resignation means the council currently has 20 Liberal Democrats, nine Conservatives, two Greens, and two Independent councillors.
There are four candidates standing to replace Mr Hughes and they have each set out below the reasons they believe people should vote for them on January 16, 2025.
The deadline to register to vote at this election is Monday 30 December. This can be done by clicking here.
People wishing to vote by post at this election, must make an application by 5pm on Tuesday, December 31. This can be done by applying online here.
And those wishing to vote by proxy must make an application by 5pm on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. And this can be done online.
Voters who do not have a valid form of ID to can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate. This must be done by 5pm on Wednesday, January 8.
Ryan Dhindsa, Conservative
Local businessman Ryan Dhindsa will stand as the Conservative and Unionist candidate. Mr Dhindsa brings a wealth of experience in community and charitable activities and as a business leader, running a successful small business, providing protective footwear to the Emergency Services and UK Armed Forces.
Mr Dhindsa stands on a clear platform to put Chesterton residents first, ensuring they have the clean streets and parks they deserve, affordable parking and safety in roads and streets, curbing anti-social behaviour, and promoting community well-being.
He is passionate about the Cotswolds, where he lives with his family, and will champion the ward and town centre and local businesses, to ensure Cirencester retains its unique character at the centre of Cotswold tourism and with a thriving local economy.
As a successful business owner himself, Ryan understands well the importance of prudent financial management. He will ensure the Council is held to account and delivering the services residents need, such as effective waste collection and not spending tax-payers money on wasteful vanity projects, such as publicity, and unnecessary changes in street signage and branding.
Commenting on his decision to stand, Ryan said: “My commitment is to the residents of Chesterton. I want to ensure that all residents have the best services the Council can provide, and that we can maintain a clean and safe environment for everyone to enjoy.”
Andy Farmer, Labour
Labour candidate Andy Farmer is a 42 year-old local businessman who employs people from Chesterton. He and his wife run an equestrian-themed guest-house in the area.
Mr Farmer said: “I know from this experience how important effective local government can be, something I believe has not been evident previously in this ward and indeed in the wider Cotswolds and the resignation of the previous Lib Dem Councillor brings the opportunity for a new start and new direction in a ward which is ready for it.
“Labour can win here and this is shaping up to be one of the most exciting by-elections of recent years. Other candidates may also seek your vote based on making a change from the recent years of LibDems – but I believe I am the only candidate who can give the fresh approach that is needed locally.
“I am well aware that in Chesterton, the potholes, the play areas in Chesterton and a number of other issues raised with me by local residents and will put local concerns at the heart of my work as a local councillor if elected. Ahead of the election, on Thursday January, 16, I invite all Chesterton residents to get in contact with me to share the local issues which are important to them and their families – search for ‘Farmer 4 Chesterton’ on social media to send me a message or just talk to me face-to-face in Chesterton. ”
Andrea Pellegram, Liberal Democrats
Chesterton resident Andrea Pellegram has been selected by the Liberal Democrats as the party’s candidate for the upcoming Chesterton by-election to elect a new Cotswold District Councillor. Having lived in the area for 20 years with her husband Lee and their two children, Dr Pellegram is deeply connected to the community.
Her service as Chair of Governors at Chesterton Primary School and as a town councillor for the past 18 months has given her valuable insight into the issues that matter most to local People.
Her professional background as a town planner—spanning both the public and private sectors—makes her well-placed to address the challenges facing Chesterton. She has pledged to use her expertise to tackle key local issues, including traffic problems caused by the Steadings development, the impact of the cost-of-living crisis, and the need for improved road and pavement maintenance.
She said: “I care deeply about Chesterton and would be honoured to represent the area as your district councillor. Many residents will know my children, who both worked at Tesco on Chesterton Lane, and we’ve lived here for 20 years. Serving as Chair of Governors at Chesterton Primary School and as a town councillor has given me valuable insight into the issues that matter to our Community.
“My priorities include holding Bathurst Development Ltd accountable for the traffic disruptions caused by the Steadings development, improving the state of our roads and pavements, and ensuring local families can access support during the cost-of-living crisis. Chesterton deserves strong, effective leadership, and I’m ready to deliver it.”
Jill Rixon, Reform UK
“I was born in Cirencester and I have lived and worked in the area all of my life. I love our town and the people in it. As a child I would visit my aunt and uncle in Bathurst Road. I still have many family members and friends living there and I know the area very well.”
“I am standing in the Chesterton by-election to help people with any issues or problems that they have and would like to represent them on the Cotswold District Council speaking up for their concerns about Chesterton and Cirencester.”
“Communication and support to the people of Chesterton is vitally important to me. If I do something I throw myself completely into it and would do it to my absolute best.”
‘I grew up in a council house and have worked hard all of my life. I have achieved more than I would ever have expected and would like to help and encourage others, especially the young, to do the same.”