Ian Whitburn

I am a business owner, brass band conductor and district councillor.

Based in Coleford in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire you can find out more about me by clicking on the relevant page.

Email:  ianwhitburn@hotmail.co.uk

Call or text me: 07894 998225

Election 2025

Independent Candidate for Gloucestershire County Council Elections

Standing for Coleford Division on 1st May

I am standing as an Independent in the Gloucestershire County Council Elections for Coleford Division on 1st May 2025.

I have had the privilege of representing Coleford on the Forest of Dean District Council since 2019, and prior to that, I represented Mitcheldean between 2011 and 2015. Since moving back to Coleford, I can't think of anywhere I'd rather live, so I have been overjoyed to be your representative on the District Council.

Sadly, the District Council will cease to exist in a few years as part of the Government's devolution plans. It seems strange to me that this plan means getting rid of councils at this level when the idea of devolution should be devolving powers to local areas, not taking them away. We will be forced into a Unitary Council of some sort, and that seems to logically be a Gloucestershire-wide Unitary, although the political parties are trying to come up with other ideas that will give them more power by slicing the county in two. Along with this, whatever council it will be will then have to join other unitary councils under a large Mayoral area with the mayor having more powers. All of this takes us far away from local representation, in my opinion. Although it may work in large metropolitan areas, I can't see it being great for rural areas.

All of this brings me to the point of asking you for your vote. Now, more than ever, we need representation at the County Council to ensure we don't get forgotten in this little corner of ours. The parties will be rejoicing in the power they can get, and we will be forgotten in all of this. As an Independent, I am not and never have been involved with any political party. My role as an Independent is to represent the people. It doesn't matter to me who you usually vote for, but this time, I ask you to consider voting for me. I have no political axe to grind; I just want to make sure we are not forgotten about or used as a great source of new build land to save the Cotswolds.

Your vote is crucial for maintaining strong local representation and ensuring that the needs and concerns of Coleford are not overshadowed by the broader political agendas. I am committed to serving our community with dedication and integrity, putting the interests of Coleford first. Together, we can make sure that our voice is heard and that we continue to thrive as a vibrant, close-knit community.

Thank you for your support.

Ian

Election 2025

Ian is a candidate for the Gloucestershire County Council Elections on 1st May 2025 Coleford Ward.