Local party members have chosen one of the City’s most senior politicians to take the fight to Labour in his home ward of Plymstock Dunstone at next year’s elections. Dunstone resident and lawyer Andy Lugger is born and bred in Plymouth. Andy has served as the Conservative group leader on Plymouth City Council since May 2023.
With 39 out of 57 seats, Labour’s supermajority means they have complete control of the Plymouth City Council. However, under Andy’s leadership the Conservative group have been holding Labour to account for pushing Plymouth to the brink of bankruptcy, allowing major projects to overrun and auctioning off beloved assets like Pounds House.
Because of discontent with the national situation, the last election left Plymstock Dunstone with three Labour councillors for the first time and Andy is keen to put this right. Reform can’t win in Plymstock Dunstone – at the last election they came fourth behind the Lib Dems, securing just 8% of the vote. Next May’s election will be a two horse race between hardworking, experienced local resident Andy and Plymouth Labour’s candidate.
Responding to his selection, Andy said: “The local community means a great deal to me. I took an interest in local politics at the age of 17. I have been a school governor and served on various local charities. After taking time out to establish my legal career, I returned to local politics in 2022.”
Andy’s experience allowed him to rise quickly within the council: “Within days of being elected, I was made Chairman of Plymouth City Council’s Audit and Governance Committee. Within one year, I became Leader of Conservative Group on Plymouth City Council and Shadow Leader of the Council.”
As a councillor, Andy works hard and serves on most Council committees, including as Vice Chair of Corporate Parenting and the Health & Wellbeing Board.
Rebecca Smith MP reacted: “I have worked closely with Andy for a number of years and am delighted that he will take on Labour in his home ward at next year’s council elections. Andy will be a strong and experienced voice for Plymstock Dunstone.”
Plymstock Dunstone is represented by three councillors who are elected in thirds. Elections will take place for one seat in May 2026.
