Meet Dr. Jonathan Nichols your Liberal Democrat candidate at the by-election in Rutland County Councils Barleythorpe Ward.

Dr. Jonathan Nichols is your Liberal Democrat candidate in upcoming Barleythorpe by-election.

Having lived in Rutland for over 15 years, Dr. Nichols - a lecturer specialising in Space Science - is a dedicated member of the community and is raising his young family locally. 

Commenting on his candidacy, Jonathan said:

"I care deeply about our community and our county. I’ve lived locally for over 15 years and I am proud to be raising my young family here. Rutland is a special place, and I want to make sure it’s the very best it can be for the next generation. But we all know that our county is facing serious challenges.

"After decades of underinvestment and complacency from the Conservatives, both locally and nationally, we’re left paying some of the highest council tax bills in the country, while services are cut and facilities – like our much-loved leisure centre where I was a member – are forced to close. Many of us hoped that a Labour government might finally deliver the support we need, but things have only got worse. 

"That’s why I’m standing for election – to give our community, and our county, the strong local voice we need fighting to get a fair deal for us."

Jonathan is pledging to be a strong and proactive voice for local residents. His priorities include:

- Bringing our roads and pavements up to standard

- Improving access to local NHS services

- Protecting or precious green spaces

- Holding developers accountable to local communities

He is also committing to year-round engagement, promising regular advice surgeries and direct access for residents seeking support.

“This election will be incredibly close,” Dr. Nichols added. “With no Labour or Green candidate - and an Independent who was until recently a Tory himself - the only way to deliver real change is by backing me and the Lib Dems on 24th July."

The election will be held on 24th July 2025 and the results will be known the next day. All the candidates are: Andrew Dinsmore, Conservative; and Jonathan Nichols for the Liberal Democrats,  Independent Andy Burton, Declan McCarthy Reform UK.  

Oakham and Rutland News has offered a page to all candidates:

Meet Andy Burton an Independent candidate at the by-election in Rutland County Councils Barleythorpe Ward:

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.blogspot.com/2025/07/meet-andy-burton-independent-candidate.html

Meet Andrew Dinsmore Conservative candidate at the by-election in Rutland County Councils Barleythorpe Ward:

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.blogspot.com/2025/07/meet-andrew-dinsmore-conservative.html

Meet Declan McCarthy Reform UK candidate at the by-election in Rutland County Councils Barleythorpe Ward:

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.blogspot.com/2025/07/meet-declan-mccarthy-reform-uk.html

Meet Dr. Jonathan Nichols your Liberal Democrat candidate at the by-election in Rutland County Councils Barleythorpe Ward:

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.blogspot.com/2025/07/meet-declan-mccarthy-reform-uk.html