PAUL Hodgkinson has been selected as the Liberal Democrats’ parliamentary candidate for the Cotswolds.

The 51-year-old, who lives in Cirencester, will be contesting the seat, held by Conservative MP Geoffrey Clifton Brown since 1992, at the next general election in 2015.

Cllr Hodgkinson’s selection for the seat, which includes Minchinhampton, comes just four months after he won the Bourton and Northleach ward in May’s county council elections.

He is currently the leader of the Liberal Democrats on Cotswold District Council, having represented the Churn Valley division for more than half a decade.

"I have made this beautiful area my home and set up my small business here," said the Parliamentary hopeful.

"Residents asked me to stand after seeing my record as a councillor and I will be the voice for the many who feel disconnected from decisions made in Westminster and at Shire Hall in Gloucester.

"I want to give our area a real voice, actively speaking up for it rather than seeing some MPs motivated by their own pockets."