THE Cotswold Conservatives have selected Dominic Morris as their candidate for the upcoming district council by-election for the Fairford North Ward next month.

The by-election was triggered as a result of Cllr Abagail Beccle resigning from the council.

Dominic is a fourth generation local farmer and previously served in the RAF.

He went on to work for the Foreign Office on the front line in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Syria, winning medals for his service to politics in the former, having lived in patrol bases in Helmand whilst working to set the political conditions to bring our troops home.

Returning home to the family farm, Dominic continued his passion for helping young people reach their potential and getting into work, being closely involved with the Prince’s Trust.

He has coached sixth formers at Farmor’s School and was recently appointed to the Department for Work and Pension’s Social Security Advisory Committee, helping the government to get more disabled people into work.

It will be the second by-election for the authority since September when the Liberal Democrats beat the Conservatives in Stow-on-the-Wold.

Dominic will go up against Lib Dem candidate Andrew Doherty.

“It is a privilege and a pleasure to be selected to stand for the district council in our wonderful market town where I went to school,” said Dominic.

“This area is my home and I care passionately about it.

“Above all, I want to protect our beautiful countryside from unsympathetic development as well as ensuring improvements to local infrastructure, especially to the local drainage network and I want to promote good local transport links.

“If elected I look forward to being a strong voice representing our fantastic Market Town and surrounding areas.”

Cllr Ray Theodoulou, GCC member for Fairford and Lechlade, as well as a district councillor, congratulated Dominic on his selection.

“I am delighted to see such a passionate local advocate being chosen to fight for our town,” he said.

“I know Dom will work hard on behalf of every resident, regardless of politics and will be a great local champion for Fairford.”

The by-election will take place on Thursday, February 9.