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Britain's Longest Serving Local Councillor Stands For 16th Election After 66 YEARS In Office

Lloyd Wilce, 86, entered the world of politics as a Labour councillor in 1949 after a stint in the forces and is now standing for election for the 16th time

Lloyd Wilce, who is believed to be the country's longest serving councillor. (SWNS)
Lloyd Wilce, who is believed to be the country's longest serving councillor. (SWNS)


Veteran campaigner Lloyd Wilce is Britain's longest serving local councillor - after spending 66 YEARS in office.

Lloyd Wilce, 86, entered the world of politics as a Labour councillor in 1949 after a stint in the forces and is now standing for election for the 16th time.

Mr Wilce, who is running as a councillor for Cinderford Town Council near the Forest of Dean, Glos, began his political career before Winston Churchill's second term as Prime Minister.

The father-of-two has run unopposed for more than 20 years due to a lack of candidates, but this year is preparing to defend his seat for the first time in two decades.

Mr Wilce out on the campaign trail today, and (right) in 1947. (SWNS)
Mr Wilce out on the campaign trail today, and (right) in 1947. (SWNS)


He counts his biggest political victories as securing a bigger swimming pool for the town and raising enough money to erect a bronze statue of a miner.

Great-grandfather Mr Wilce said: 'All those years ago I never thought for a second I would last this long as a councillor.

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'In fact, around three years ago I had a spell of poor health and I didn't think I would last much longer.

'But here I am, and I enjoy just being part of the community.  I've always liked joining in with things and being part of what is going on in the area.'

Canvassing: Mr Wilce out in his neighbourhood campaigning (SWNS)
Canvassing: Mr Wilce out in his neighbourhood campaigning (SWNS)


Mr Wilce's interest in politics began when he joined the Labour League of Youth as a teenager and became their regional chairman aged 16.

He was listed to the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers for two years, serving around the UK, where he was the army's top middle distance runner.

Following his national service he got a job at Debenhams in Gloucester in 1949 and won his first seat on what was then called East Dean Parish Council.

He joined in a bid to improve Cinderford's sports facilities and one of his early political achievements was raising enough money to increase the size of the town's swimming pool.

He had two sons with wife Mary and after 17 years in the outfitting trade the pair took over the village hall in Steam Mills, Gloucestershire.


They applied for a pub licence and ran it as the Old Engine Inn for around 25 years before Lloyd retired and Mary passed away four years ago, aged 77.

Lloyd has met Tony Blair and John Prescott during his tenure, as well as going to the Queen's garden party twice and visiting the House of Commons and the Lords.

His proudest achievement in his political career is raising £20,000 through bingo nights for a bronze statue of a miner in Cinderford, to remember the town's history in 2000.

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He has registered to stand for election on May 7, but is yet to find out how many people will stand against him.

Mr Wilce added: 'I'm pretty sure with all these other parties like UKIP that there will be an election this year and I'll probably go against someone else.

'I wouldn't put myself forward if I didn't think I was going to get in, but I'll have to wait and see I guess.'