By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s former private secretary is among the candidates vying for votes in a Gloucestershire by-election.
Cotswold voters head to the polls next Thursday (January 22) to elect their new councillor for The Rissingtons.
The Cotswold District Council by-election was triggered after the resignation of Andrew McLean.
The Green Party councillor announced his resignation at an emotional meeting in November after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.
The Conservatives, Greens, Liberal Democrats and Reform have each fielded a candidate to contest the seat.
The council is currently made up of 20 Lib Dems, nine Conservative Councillors, one Green Party councillor and an Independent.
Set out below is more information about each of the candidates.
Bob Eastoe – Green Party
“I retired as the finance and operations director of one of Buckinghamshire’s largest employers in 2020 after a career in industry as engineer and accountant.
“I stood to represent the people, businesses and environment of the new South Cotswolds constituency in the 2024 General Election to ensure meaningful progress on the climate and ecology emergency is taken and that we build a fair and thriving future for us all.
“I am now standing in the forthcoming Cotswold District Council election for The Rissingtons ward so that the excellent work done by Green Councillor Andrew McLean can continue.
“Local democracy will be a big part of the agenda in these elections and I shall ensure peoples’ voices are heard about decisions that affect them in the transition to a new unitary authority and how they can continue to be heard in an ever-centralising political landscape.”
Matt Fincham – Reform UK
Matt Fincham is a small business owner and public relations consultant who supports businesses across financial services, technology, aerospace and defence. He has lived in the Cotswolds for five years, having grown up in Churchdown, near Gloucester and attended school in Cheltenham. Matt is a British Army veteran and serving officer in the Army Reserve, he comes from a farming family and is a strong supporter of farming, countryside industries and the traditional rural way of life.
Recent years have seen the imposition of urban-centric thought and planning on rural communities across the UK. Matt understands how the needs of Cotswolds residents differ from city dwellers and the requirement to balance demands for affordable housing and for tourist access with the unique and historic landscape of the area. Matt aims to champion the views of Rissingtons residents and scrutinise council plans to ensure the best outcomes for our villages.
Craig Thurling – Liberal Democrat
“I’ve lived in the Cotswolds for the past 15 years and I’m proud to call the Rissingtons home. I live locally with my wife Sarah, and many people know me through my role as a volunteer Beaver
Scouts leader, which I’ve done for the last three years. Supporting young people and giving something back to the community is really important to me.
“I work in the energy sector, helping large organisations reduce their carbon emissions. That role has given me experience in problem-solving, working with others and delivering practical solutions – skills I want to put to use as a district councillor.
“I narrowly missed out on becoming county councillor last May and I’m now standing in this by-election because I want to serve our community locally. My priorities are standing up for local hospital services, supporting residents with the cost of living, and working to improve roads and pavements.
“Above all, I want to be a visible, approachable councillor who listens and focuses on local issues.”
Alastair Watson – Conservatives
Alastair Watson joined the Army after studying at Oxford University serving for 20 and attaining the rank of major. He has worked in business and devoted a lot of his time to charity.
He was also private secretary for the then Prince Andrew from 2003 to 2012 at a time when he was the UK special representative for trade and investment.
“Ages before all the rubbish that’s happened,” he said. “Working with Prince Andrew I was there to help him with his trade role and we worked together to deliver that. When that finished, I moved on.
“We didn’t want to boast about it but we did good work on behalf of UK Plc. After I left university, I joined the Army, my father being in the Army, I served until I was 37.
“At the end of the Cold War I decided I should move on and then went into business.”
He has lived locally for the last 35 years and after his wife died in 2018 has been focusing on charity work.
As a councillor, he hopes to make a difference and says the most pressing concern he is hearing on the doorstep is around planning and the lack of infrastructure and services to accommodate new homes.