Good luck to all elected councillors

THANK you to all those who voted in Cheltenham’s elections for the borough and county council – whichever party you supported.

The Lib Dems remain in control of Cheltenham Borough Council with 31 seats out of 40 in total – but I’m pleased that the Conservatives increased their tally of councillors to seven. The Conservatives also doubled their number of county councillors, winning Leckhampton & Warden Hill, and Pittville & Prestbury.

In addition, there was a particularly strong showing for the Green Party, winning 11% of the vote – although that didn’t translate into a seat this time.

I want to congratulate those from all parties who were elected, particularly the new councillors. It takes courage and determination to put your head above the parapet and run for elected office. I wish all councillors luck in making a positive contribution to our community. Their success will be our town’s success.

I am hugely proud of the Conservative team. They ran a strong, principled, campaign focusing on the issues which matter most to our community here in Cheltenham – such as tackling the grot spots which sadly blight our town centre, and slashing the charges in our car parks which have ballooned over recent years and are now the highest in Gloucestershire.

I know local Conservatives will serve as they campaigned – with principle and determination. And they will do their duty in holding this Council, in power for so many years, to account. The next set of elections to the borough are just a year away, and Cheltenham’s Conservatives will make a strong case for the change in council leadership that our town so urgently needs.

Congratulations too to Chris Nelson, who has won the race to be Gloucestershire’s new Police and Crime Commissioner. It is excellent news for Cheltenham that a local man and former Cheltenham councillor is taking on this important role. I have every confidence he will do an excellent job.