By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
Cotswold voters head to the polls next week to elect a District Councillor for the Beeches.
The Cirencester seat by-election was triggered after the resignation of Liberal Democrat Nigel Robbins.
Cllr Robbins, who had served on Cotswold District Council since 2015, decided to retire.
And now candidates from the Conservatives, Green Party, Labour, Liberal Democrats and Reform UK will contest the seat on March 12.
The council is currently led by the Lib Dems who have 21 councillors, there are ten Conservatives, one Green Party member and one independent.
The voting will take place between 7am and 10pm at the Cirencester Opportunity Group in Beeches Road.
Candidates have set out below why they believe people should vote for them.
Paul Evans – Liberal Democrat
“For more than 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of calling Cirencester home and now I’d like the opportunity to serve our community as your local district councillor.
“That’s why I’m delighted to be standing in the upcoming district council by-election backed by the local Liberal Democrats. Cirencester has been good to me and my family, and I want to use my passion for our town and my professional experience to give back to our community. I promise to listen and roll my sleeves up to get things done.
“I already serve our community as a town councillor, and I am a trustee of a local charity for those in need. I understand our community because I’m a part of it. I get what’s great about our area but also the frustrations people experience living here.
“Residents have told me their three priorities that I will work hard to address as your district councillor:
“Campaign to Save Cirencester Hospital – I will stand up for services at Cirencester Hospital, working alongside our local MP, Dr Roz Savage.
“Support residents with the cost of living – I’ll work with residents who need help with the cost of living, linking them up to locally available support.
“Fix our roads, paths and pavements – the new Lib Dem County Council is acting by investing £15m extra into local roads. I’ll work with our Lib Dem county councillors to make sure that our area
is near the front of the queue.”
Bob Irving – Green Party
The Green Party has been approached for comment.
Joshua Littler-Jennings – Labour Party
“My name is Joshua Littler-Jennings and I am the Labour Party candidate in this by-election. I have lived in Cirencester since I was a young child and first and foremost I am really proud to call this town home.
“I know that this pride is shared across Cirencester especially in the Beeches. But I also know that there are a number of challenges in the Beeches that people often do not talk about.
“The cost of living for example has been a significant issues for families in the Beeches for years as it has across Cirencester and the country. At a national level, I am pleased to see this Government delivering lower energy bills, free breakfast clubs and ending the two child benefit cap. As your councillor, tackling the cost of living would be my central priority on the council.
“After years of being let down and left behind by the Lib Dems, I would encourage all of you to strongly consider a fresh start in these elections. With me, you will get a strong local candidate who will bring a politics of hope not hate, of delivery not division, and above all else a responsive local representative.
“The Lib Dems have taken you for granted and the Reform Party do not have your best interests at heart. Through my experience working for a Member of Parliament, I know the difference that local representatives can make when they stand up for their constituents. I will do so everyday as your councillor.”
Mackenzie Vaughan – Reform UK
“I am the Reform UK candidate standing in The Beeches by-election. As a qualified youth worker and community development practitioner, I have worked directly with individuals, families and neighbourhoods across communities. Through my professional experience, I have seen how responsive services and early support strengthen communities and prevent problems from escalating.
“I am standing because I believe residents deserve a councillor who is visible, approachable and willing to listen. Local government works best when decisions are transparent and residents feel informed about how and why decisions are made.
“My priorities include improving communication between the council and residents, ensuring value for taxpayers, and protecting the character of The Beeches while supporting appropriate improvements to local services and infrastructure. Residents frequently raise concerns about community safety, speeding around the area and a lack of parking, as well as reliable bin collections and cleaner streets.
“If elected, I will work with the appropriate authorities to address these concerns and ensure The Beeches has a clear and consistent voice at district council level.”
Ben Shaw – Conservative Party
“I want to be a district councillor because I care deeply about our community here in Cirencester and The Beeches, (where I live) and I want to play a practical role in shaping its “future. Local government decisions affect our everyday lives, from planning and housing to waste services and how our town develops. These choices shape the character of our area and the quality of life for residents.
“Through my career as an environmental chemist and manager in the hazardous waste industry, I have developed strong experience in problem-solving, regulatory compliance, and balancing environmental responsibility with economic realities. I understand how important it is to base decisions on evidence, to manage budgets responsibly, and to think about long-term consequences rather than short-term fixes.
“I am actively involved in local community groups and have supported a great number of groups, teams, and schools in our local area through fundraising. I also spend a great deal of time walking my dog around the Beeches. That all keeps me grounded in the everyday concerns of residents, whether that’s fixing our roads, maintaining local services, or tackling anti-social behavior.
“I believe local councilors should be visible, approachable, and accountable. I don’t just want to comment on the direction our area takes; I want to contribute constructively and represent residents’ views clearly at Cotswold District Council. My goal is to help keep our community thriving, well-managed, and a place we are proud to call home.”