STROUD’S Green county councillor will be stepping down from her role at Shire Hall after eight years.

It was confirmed this week that Cllr Sarah Lunnon would not be seeking re-election in May’s Gloucestershire County Council elections.

Stroud District Green Party has announced that long-term resident Eva Ward will step in as their candidate for the Stroud Central division.

Speaking after the announcement, Cllr Lunnon described her time as a county councillor as “frustrating, disappointing and occasionally incredibly rewarding”.

Last month the politician, who is currently the only Green party councillor at Shire Hall, claimed victory in a Stroud Town Council by-election for Valley Ward.

Cllr Sarah Lunnon said: "It's unbelievable, Eva seems to know more people in Stroud than I do, she is so well connected and supported.

“Her knowledge of social work and family issues will be an asset to the council as these are the areas where the biggest cuts are now falling.

“My time at the county has been frustrating, disappointing and occasionally incredibly rewarding.

“There are some battles lost, some unfinished business to pursue by other means and with the Natural Flood Management Scheme in full flow and expanding to protect the residents and businesses of the Five Valleys, I look forward to supporting and working with Eva in the coming months and years.”

Former social worker Eva said she would relish the opportunity to hold the Conservative administration to account, push for action on climate change and defend public services against further cuts.

"I'm delighted to have been chosen as the Green candidate, to have this opportunity to represent the residents of Stroud, to hold the Tories to account on the devastating impacts of their cuts, on the loss of our cherished services,” she said.

“Stroud is unique in many ways, however like most, the people of Stroud care about their countryside, about their families, about their future.

“If elected I will, like my predecessor Cllr Sarah Lunnon, work to protect your countryside and secure your NHS, support cherished public services and ensure a safe future built on a non-polluting renewable energy economy.”

The Green party candidate will go up against Conservative candidate Debbie Young, district councillor for Chalford, and Labour’s Debbie Hicks.

Gloucestershire County Council elections will be held on 4 May 2017.

Stroud News and Journal:

Eva Ward and Cllr Sarah Lunnon outside the Parliament Children's Centre in Stroud, which will no longer provide funded universal children's services