By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
Former Gloucester mayor Lorraine Campbell will sit as an Independent Conservative.
The Gloucester City Councillor for Tuffley believes she can be more effective operating outside of the constraints of the Conservative group at North Warehouse.
Cllr Campbell will sit as an Independent Conservative and says she will work with councillors of all parties to serve Gloucester in the “best way possible”.
The move comes a week after she voted differently to the rest of the Conservative group in supporting Gloucester City Council’s budget for 2026/27.
“I’ve made this decision because I believe I can be a more effective councillor if I have the freedom to vote irrespective of politics without the constraints of group rules,” she said.
“However, although now Independent, I also remain a Conservative councillor thus upholding the mandate given to me by the Conservative voters of Tuffley.
“I will continue to proudly represent my ward.”
She explained she remains a Conservative Party member and will continue to pay her annual fee to the Conservative Councillors Association.
“I look forward to working with my councillor colleagues of all parties to serve our city in the best possible way,” she added.
“But it’s Gloucester first and always for me before any political agenda.”
She said she hopes the City Council can work together to overcome the financial challenges it faces.
“I just hope we can get through and move on to less troubled waters.”
City Council leader Jeremy Hilton (LD, Kingsholm and Wotton) said: “I want to place on record my thanks to Councillor Lorraine Campbell for her continued service to the people of Gloucester.
“Her decision to sit as an Independent Conservative is, of course, a matter for her, but I know it is one she has taken with the interests of her residents firmly in mind.
“Lorraine has always approached her role with integrity and dedication. During her time as Mayor she served our city with warmth, dignity, and a genuine commitment to community life. More recently, her support for the Liberal Democrat budget reflected her long‑standing belief in doing what she feels is right for Gloucester, regardless of political pressure.
“I look forward to continuing to work constructively with her in the months and years ahead. Councillor Campbell has always put Gloucester first, and I have no doubt she will continue to do so as an Independent Conservative member.”
The Conservative Party group has been approached for comment.
The political make-up of the City Council is now 17 Liberal Democrats, ten Conservatives, seven Labour councillors, four Community Independents and an Independent Conservative.