Sarah Sawyer to challenge Conservatives in Longlevens by-election

Gloucester Liberal Democrats have announced their candidate for the forthcoming by-election in Longlevens.

Community campaigner and Longlevens resident Sarah Sawyer will be the challenger to the Conservatives.

The by-election, which will be held on November 4, has been caused by the sudden resignation of Conservative councillor and Sheriff of Gloucester Clive Walford - just five months after he was re-elected.

Sarah, who is well known in the Longlevens community, stood for the Liberal Democrats in May's local elections and was just 62 votes from being elected.

Three councillors - including Liberal Democrat Linda Castle - were elected to represent the area on the city council with Sarah finishing fourth.

The married mother of three has a strong record of community activism.

Sarah set up the Friends of Elmbridge group and raised £60,000 to build a children's play area in Armscroft Park.

During the pandemic, Sarah raised £1,000 to feed local school children and received an award from the Mayor of Gloucester to thank her for all her work.

She is a qualified accountant and primary school teacher and runs her own business locally.

"I am delighted to have been selected by the Liberal Democrats to stand in Longlevens," she said.

"I live in Longlevens and it is a wonderful community and I will do my very best to represent the area well.

"I have been working with Councillor Linda Castle in Longlevens for over two years and I regularly speak to residents about their concerns."

Councillor Jeremy Hilton, leader of Gloucester Liberal Democrats, said: "Sarah will make an excellent councillor for Longlevens.

"She knows the area well and has the experience and energy to succeed. Sarah and Linda are an excellent team and will work really well together on the city council."