Lib Dems back as a major force in British politics

July 4 saw an astonishing set of results for the Liberal Democrats. We can be proud we have played our part in delivering a historic defeat to the Conservative Party.

With 72 seats the Liberal Democrats are back as a major force in British politics and are once again the third party in Westminster.

In Gloucester, Councillor Rebecca Trimnell increased our vote share by 2.7% compared with 2019 – polling 10.4%.

Given this was an election where many people voted tactically to oust the Conservative incumbent to increase our vote is an achievement.

We also for the first time in over 100 years have a part of the city represented by a Liberal MP.

Cameron Thomas beat the incumbent Conservative Laurence Robertson by 6,262 votes.

It means the residents of Elmbridge and Longlevens are being represented by a Lib Dem MP for the first time since 1910.