Paul Hodgkinson - A biography 

Born at the start of the ‘swinging sixties’, on England’s southern coast, Paul grew up in a sun-kissed seaside town, a postcard for a Great Britain that now only exists in the past.

A high achiever at school,  in 1980 he escaped to a whole new world of university, first in Reading, then with a year in France.

Time abroad sparked a passion for travel and everything it entails – food, wine, politics, seeing the World plus a first foray into community radio with a 2-hour show running down the UK charts.

When Paul returned he did so to a Britain inflamed by Margaret Thatcher tearing up the notion of ‘society’. 

He emerged into an economy with record high unemployment (3.5 million out of work) but was fortunate to find a job in the civil service. Later Paul moved to Swindon and pursued sales training, uncovering a talent in himself for training and mentoring others. Over the next ten years he worked his way up the career ladder in blue chip companies training managers before a sudden redundancy in 1996.

Paul quickly found his way back into full-time employment as a training manager at Cheltenham & Gloucester PLC in Barnwood.

Then, he took the leap in 2003 and started his own business. Working as a coach with clients ranging from senior leaders at Lloyds Bank and Zurich, to teachers in South Wales, as well as the military and even the CEO of a very famous sports club.

His calling into politics has never been as a full-time profession, but alongside his job. Paul focussed on local issues and how he could positively contribute to the world or ‘society’ around him.

From 1993 he represented the Bisley division in Stroud at Gloucestershire County Council, before later moving to Perrot’s Brook near Cirencester, and representing a large area in the Cotswolds on both Cotswold District and Gloucestershire County Council for the last 17 years.

Paul stepped up to take on the role of Leader of the Opposition in 2009, helping the local Liberal Democrats professionalise and grow from 4 councillors, to 12, to eventually running Cotswold District Council.

He continues to fight for road safety, against river pollution, and promote health and wellbeing in his Cabinet role at Cotswold District Council.

A local radio host, music is a passion - as is making sure the voices of everyone in our community are heard, not just those with influence.

A record of leadership, professionally and locally in his community. A hard-working, highly experienced candidate to be our next member of parliament.

An Environmental Thread Through Everything 

Long after we’re gone rivers will continue to flow, making their way through forests and fields; villages and valleys – the landscapes that make up the Cotswolds area of outstanding natural beauty and a key feature of Gloucestershire.

Fighting to protect our rivers and the incredible natural landscapes we are lucky to live amongst, is Paul Hodgkinson, the Liberal Democrat candidate for the North Cotswolds parliamentary seat.

Paul successfully argued for Gloucestershire County Council to declare a climate emergency in May 2019. He continues the campaign to stand up to water companies dumping waste and sewage with the aim of protecting our area for generations to come.

From planting trees at the National Star College, to litter picking with community volunteers, to successfuly cutting out single-use plastics at the County Council, Paul had had the environment firmly in his mind for his 17 years as a councillor.

Anyone but the Tories!

Born in the 1960s, Paul grew up in the idyllic seaside town of Weymouth, before going on to study French at the University of Reading.

It was during his time at university that Margaret Thatcher came to power as British Prime Minister. Paul’s early political instincts were shaped in opposition to Thatcher’s dismissal of ‘society’, the sharp rise in unemployment, and social unrest that broke out across the country.

Paul has continued to fight against the Tories ever since – helping grow the Liberal Democrat opposition on both Cotswold District Council and Gloucestershire County Council, and challenging our local MP – a complacent, backbench Conservative who has been in place for three decades – to account.

He is the only viable alternative to the Tories, seeking to end the stranglehold they have on the North Cotswolds.

Restoring civic pride  

Whilst he has stood up for local issues such as road safety, recycling and river pollution over more than two decades, he has also run his own successful business inspiring others to unlock their leadership potential.

Paul has consistently used his platform as a councillor and candidate to promote the voices of local communities.

From fixing potholes in Perrotts Brook where he lives, to campaigning for the missing link of the A417 at Birdlip, to calling out missed targets in our NHS, Paul takes a practical approach to improving our local area. 

His campaign is about restoring civic pride, and inspiring others to play a role in the future of their community.