In the run up to the Stroud District Council elections on May 5, the SNJ will be profiling each of the candidates standing in all 27 wards.

Each party candidate will give voters information about who they are, what their pledges are and why you should vote for them.

These profiles will be posted alphabetically by ward over the next week.

Today we feature Kingswood, Minchinhampton, Nailsworth, Painswick and Upton, Randwick, Whiteshill and Ruscombe and Rodborough.

Look back at previous articles throughout the week for wards A-H.

Stay posted to see your candidates go head to head.

Randwick, Whiteshill and Ruscombe - There are three candidates standing in this ward. Number of seats – one.

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  • John Bloxsom - Labour

John Bloxsom has lived in the Stroud Valleys for six years.

He serves as a parish councillor. He supports opposition to the incinerator and promotes recycling and renewable energy.

John supports community projects, provision of affordable housing and cultural events. He is keen on walking, cycling and singing.

He has local government and board experience and holds business management qualifications.

His council interests are in environment, housing and planning.

He has supported local communities working on neighbourhood plans and community land trusts.

As a district councillor John wants to promote the quality of life and the environment of the area.

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  • Jonathan Edmunds - Green Party

Jonathan has represented Randwick, Whiteshill and Ruscombe on Stroud District Council since May 2014. He is one of our group of six Green Councillors who are currently in a Green, Labour, Liberal collaboration that lead the Council.

He is currently Vice Chair of the Community Services Committee, sits on the Housing Committee and plays an active part in youth services, the Older People’s Strategy, health and housing.

He has campaigned for an alternative to the Javelin Park incinerator, and spoke out against the unfairness of the recently-tabled Tory Housing Bill.

My aim is always to listen to local concerns and to do my utmost to achieve what is best for our area.

The time I have spent with the council so far has been immensely enjoyable. I would relish the opportunity to continue to represent you and look to develop ideas that put people and a sustainable environment/economy first.

Most importantly, I will listen to constituents concerns and try to address them. Please contact me with your views or questions. I am always delighted to hear from you."

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  • Tom Cooper - Conservative

I am 33 years old and live in a small village in the adjoining ward of Painswick.

I went to school in Stonehouse, and know the area well. I worked in Gloucester and London after university. I enjoy learning languages and can speak Spanish and Mandarin fluently.

I travelled to China in 2010 and attended Yantai University, studying for a degree in Mandarin.

After spending twelve months in a wheelchair, I am now walking and eventually I want to be able to run. Although still relatively young I am well-travelled and have experienced myriad cultures and attitudes.

My disability has given me a real insight into the difficulties faced by many of our residents every day that may not be appreciated by the wider public.

I am also particularly concerned that generally the voice of the residents of smaller villages and hamlets is not really listened to.

Rural residents have different issues, and I want to make sure their needs and opinions are not ignored.