SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL LOCAL ELECTIONS 2023

South Gloucestershire Council voters are facing a unique situation ahead of the upcoming local elections. Of the three main parties, only one leader remains - Lib Dem’s Cllr Claire Young. Conservative leader, Cllr Toby Savage, announced his resignation in March due to the birth of his second child while Labor leader Cllr Pat Rooney has declared her retirement after 30 years as a councilor and nine years leading her party.

Voters will cast their ballots on May 4th and await results that may bring unexpected changes to their local councils.

South Gloucestershire Council has been a tripartite body for many years – there are currently no councilors representing others, although some seats are contested by Greens, Independent, Reform UK and National Housing Party No More Refugees candidates.

Cllr Young would likely lead authority in the event of a major reversal to a win for the Lib Dems and if they successfully defend their Frampton Cotterell seat, but who would take the lead if the Tories remain in power or Labor stir up excitement can and improve its standing as the third largest party?

Neither announced their successor before Election Day, which is understandable as it would depend solely on who is elected. But the Conservatives say Cllr Savage’s replacement will be chosen from the new pool of councilors a week or two after Election Day.

If re-elected, the Authority’s current Deputy Chairman, Cllr Ben Stokes, would be among the candidates. Labor says its process will be quicker and that the group will announce its new leader by the end of Tuesday 9 May. Cllr Ian Boulton is the group’s vice-chairman.