By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
Voters head to the polls in Stroud next month to elect a representative for the Severn ward.
The by-election was triggered after the death of Labour Councillor Richard Maisey.
There are candidates standing from the Conservatives, Green Party, Labour, Liberal Democrats, Reform UK and UKIP.
The election will take place on Jun 11 and polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm.
Valid photographic ID will be required for residents to cast their ballot paper. The council consists of 23 Green Party councillors, 18 Labour, seven Conservatives, and two
Liberal Democrats, with one vacancy.
Candidates have set out below the reasons why they believe voters should back them
Karen Linforth – Labour Party
Karen has lived in Eastington for nearly 30 years. She is married, with two grown-up children and partners in her husband’s agricultural building contractor business. Her commitment to the Severn ward is unwavering and she aims to serve all residents, from the rural areas by the river to the evolving new communities.
A passionate advocate for community engagement and social progress and serves as a Parish Councillor. “It is a great honour to be selected as the Labour Candidate in my home ward,” she said.
“I am committed to serving my community and giving back to the vibrant and diverse Severn Ward. I hold strong traditional Labour values of deliverable support for all. I won’t promise easy slogans and undeliverable promises, but I will be dedicated to all the residents in Severn Valley.”
She is committed to continuing Richard Maisey’s vital work in safeguarding the Severn’s delicate environment, as he demonstrated in his successful lobbying during the Arlingham Saltmarsh controversy.
Hena Mannan-Rahman – Conservative Party
Hena has lived in Gloucestershire for 23 years, with the last 13 spent in Longney. A dedicated healthcare professional supporting the NHS and she also serves as a Parish Councillor for Longney and Epney. Community is at the heart of everything Hena does—from school fetes and harvest festivals to helping residents through recent floods and the pandemic.
Deeply concerned by inappropriate large-scale developments, Hena is standing for the district by-election to defend local villages in the Severn Ward from unsustainable growth. With proposals for over 800 houses in Whitminster and a surge in industrial solar farms, she believes Stroud District Council is failing to protect the countryside and listen to rural voices.
The Green Party’s collapsed Local Plan has left communities vulnerable, and vital services like GPs and schools are already under pressure. Hena is committed to standing up for local people and preserving the character of Gloucestershire’s rural heartland.
Moya Shannon – Green Party
Moya has lived in Stroud district since 1990, mainly in Eastington, where her three children attended local schools. She worked as an administrator for her family’s long-established oak frame carpentry company.
And was previously a teacher at two local secondary schools for over 27 years. She is involved with helping to raise money for the Eastington Church Roof Appeal.
If elected, Moya will campaign for small community-based electricity generation schemes and more solar on domestic, commercial and industrial roof spaces, to avoid the need for large-scale solar farms.
She will also campaign for better local transport links and cycle routes. “I will also work to ensure that local developers are held to account, because building houses should be about building homes and not just about making profits.
“Housing needs to be affordable, sustainable, meet the needs of local people and provide a healthy environment to live in.”
Mike Stayte – Liberal Democrats
I lived in Eastington from seven to 14 and went to Eastington Primary School. I still know some of my old classmates that live in the village. I have always lived in the Stroud District apart from three years at Sheffield University studying geology.
I have been married for 46 years and have three children and three grandchildren. I originally worked for NCB, the Coal Board, but have worked in the family firm for 38 years.
I run John Stayte Services, a company based in Eastington running three filling stations and a gas distribution business. I have been a District Councillor in the past and am currently the Chairman of Slimbridge Parish Council.
I have been a Magistrate for 19 years. I have a keen interest in sport and was a navigator in a rally car for many years.
Ben Walker – UKIP
Ben is a Royal Navy Veteran and long serving councillor and public servant who’s represented residents on various local councils in many different roles. He lives in the district with his wife and two young daughters where he operates his own business which operates nationally.
“What you will get with me as your District Councillor is service. I would be elected to serve you and not a political party. I would do everything I could to assist you with all issues which affected you and fell under the remit of the council.
I won’t sell you empty promises or nationally focused policies. I will however offer you service and loyalty”. Please support Ben in the forthcoming by-election. Local councils should be about People – NOT politics.
Jonathan Wren – Reform
With over 20 years in the district, I deeply understand our community’s needs. I lead youth and toddler groups, fostering connections and supporting families.
Passionate about our countryside, I prioritize its protection. If elected, I’ll listen to concerns and ensure local government serves everyone.