The Liberal Democrats have reselected local veteran and engineer Gary Jackson as their candidate for North Dorset at the next general election.
Jackson, a former Royal Engineer now working in critical infrastructure, came within 1,589 votes of winning the seat in 2024. With national polling currently predicting a sharp fall in Conservative seats, North Dorset is seen as one of the Lib Dems’ top targets in the South West.
He was chosen in a competitive selection process, winning strong support from local members.
In 2024, Jackson secured 16,619 votes to the Conservatives’ 18,208. Reform UK followed on 7,894, with Labour and the Greens far behind – setting the stage for a two-horse race in 2026.
Gary says his campaign will focus on fixing NHS access, especially dental care – by the end of 2024, no NHS dentists in Dorset were accepting new adult patients – and cost of living support for families and pensioners. Rural policing and safety is another priority, including restoring PCSOs and front desk counters. Investment in villages and market towns, from broadband and transport to farming and flood protection is the last of his four aims. Gary says:
‘I’ve served my country in the Army: now my mission is to serve my community. Rural crime is rising, services are stretched, and the cost of living is biting hard. People in North Dorset feel forgotten.
‘I’m launching a petition to push for better neighbourhood health services, and I’ll be listening to residents across the constituency. Together, we can deliver a better future – but only if we act now.’
sponsored by Wessex Internet
