Anthony Martinelli, a PhD student at Gonville and Caius, was re-elected to Cambridge City Council in Thursday’s (04/05) local elections. Winning 41% of the vote, he beat out fellow student and current Union president, James Appiah.

Running for the Liberal Democrats, this was Martinelli's second time standing in Market ward. Appiah stood for the Conservative Party and won 10% of the vote. The ward has a large student population and covers colleges such as Christs, Downing, Pembroke and Jesus.

Having graduated from studying Medicine at Cambridge in 2014, Martinelli began his PhD in 2019 and now works as a practising clinical doctor alongside his studies. He served on the City Council from 2018 to 2021, during which time he acted as the Liberal Democrats' local spokesperson on housing.

On his victory, Martinelli told Varsity: “I am hugely grateful to all the residents, including many students, who gave me their vote this year. I look forward to working hard for all of the Market Ward community over the next four years - focusing on priorities like housing, transport, and the environment. I would be delighted to hear from anyone who thinks I can help them with any issue - big or small - so please do get in touch.”

In a round of local elections that saw national gains for Labour and the Liberal Democrats and huge losses for the Conservatives, Cambridge City Council remained mostly the same. Labour lost two of the total 16 seats available, with these going to the Liberal Democrats and Greens, but still retained control of the council.

Martinelli now joins fellow Cambridge student Sam Carling as local councillor and will serve a four year term. None of the other six student candidates standing this year were elected to the City Council.