By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
Nigel Farage is visiting Gloucestershire today as part of Reform UK’s campaign for the council elections next week.
The right-wing populist political party and limited company, which is currently flying high in the opinion polls, is contesting all of the 55 division seats at Gloucestershire County Council.
Among its candidates are the sitting chairman at Shire Hall Vernon Smith and Tewkesbury Borough Council’s former Conservative leader Rob Bird who also defected to the Brexit-supporting party.
Mr Farage has been challenged to a public debate in the county by Conservative stalwart Lynden Stowe over “misleading” party political propaganda sent to local voters.
Cllr Stowe also asked him to retract the “inaccurate and out of context” comments.
And he proposed a full briefing on Gloucestershire County Council finances to “allay any concerns Mr Farage over the finances at the authority which is in a good position”.
It is unclear whether Mr Farage will take the Tories up on that offer.
Reform UK will be hoping to build on its general election results last year.
The party came third in the Gloucester, Forest of Dean, South Cotswolds, Stroud and Tewkesbury constituencies in 2024.
It is understood Mr Farage will meet and greet candidates standing in the election on May 1 during his visit to Gloucestershire today.
A full list of all the candidates standing in Gloucestershire can be seen here as well as statements from the major parties.