Milton Keynes 17th August 2026: Milton Keynes Conservatives have announced Gabriel
Costa as their candidate for the forthcoming New Bradwell by-election.
The by-election follows the sad passing of Councillor Shanika Mahendran, who was
elected to represent New Bradwell in May of this year. Milton Keynes Conservatives have
expressed their sincere condolences to her family, friends and colleagues and will
conduct the campaign with respect for the circumstances in which the election has
arisen.
Gabriel is 21, lives locally and recently graduated with a law degree. He is standing
because he believes residents deserve local representatives who are visible, accessible
and prepared to work hard on the issues that affect their everyday lives.
As a young candidate, Gabriel is also particularly passionate about ensuring people like
himself have opportunities to get involved in their communities and have a voice in the
decisions that shape the places where they live.
Gabriel Costa said:
I know this by-election has come about in very sad circumstances, and I want to begin by
offering my condolences to Shanika’s family and everyone who knew her.
I have decided to stand because I care deeply about the community I live in and I believe
people deserve representatives who listen, show up and work hard for them.
For me, being a councillor is about making the place we live work well for residents and
that means dealing with the everyday issues that matter, being accessible when people
need help and making sure the community’s voice is heard at the Council.
I also want to make sure people my age feel there are opportunities for them here and
that they have a stake in the future of their community. I’m looking forward to getting out, meeting residents across Bradwell and, most importantly, listening to what they want from their local councillor.”
Councillor Shazna Muzammil, Leader of the Conservative Group on Milton Keynes City
Council, welcomed Gabriel’s selection.
She said:
“Gabriel represents something I think we need more of in local politics, young people who
care about where they live and are prepared to step forward and do something for their
community. Residents in New Bradwell ward deserve a genuine democratic choice about
who represents them on the Council.
Gabriel is local, enthusiastic and determined to work hard. He understands that being a
councillor is about being present in the community, listening to residents, picking up the
issues that matter to them and following them through.
I’m delighted he has put himself forward and I’m looking forward to campaigning
alongside him and introducing him to residents across New Bradwell.”
Gabriel and the Milton Keynes Conservative team will be out across the ward over the
coming weeks, meeting residents and listening to their priorities ahead of the by-election.
