Cheltenham's Lib Dem parliamentary candidate is calling for a new GP surgery for the town.

House of Commons Library research commissioned by the Liberal Democrats shows that funding for GP practices in Gloucestershire has been slashed in real terms since 2019.

The analysis shows NHS funding for GP practices in the county was 1.7% lower per patient in 2022/23 compared to 2018/19, taking into account inflation.

So far, 1,2000 people have backed Max Wilkinson's campaign for a new surgery to serve the town. A potential development has been earmarked in the list of projects to be funded by the Community Infrastructure Levy.

Max has met with local GPs, the Local Medical Council and the NHS to discuss the issue.

The latest figures show that, in November, almost one in 10 appointments in Gloucestershire were after a wait of more than 28 days.

The Liberal Democrats said it was "unforgivable" the Government was slashing funding for GP practices at a time of rising demand, leaving millions of people struggling to see a doctor when they need to.

The party is calling for patients to be given a legal right to see their GP within seven days, or 24-hours if in urgent need. This would be achieved by increasing the number of fully qualified GPs by 8,000, with an initiative to boost recruitment and retain more experienced doctors.

Max Wilkinson, Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Cheltenham, said: "It is unforgivable that our area is suffering because the Conservative government has slashed funding for GP practices at a time of rising demand. The figures for Gloucestershire are a huge cause for concern.

"Rishi Sunak and his team of MPs here are completely out of touch with patients struggling to get the care they need. Cheltenham people recognise this and that's why so many are backing our campaign for a new surgery locally. That will of course need the Government to follow through on training more GPs."

Responding to the accusations, a spokesperson for Cheltenham Conservatives said: "Since 2019, funding for Cheltenham's GP services has risen by 12.2% and the total NHS budget is 45% higher this year compared to 2018/19.

"In 2022, the multi-million-pound Wilson Health Centre opened on Prestbury Road, providing more consulting and treatment rooms.

"Under the Liberal Democrats, Cheltenham General Hospital fell into decline, but since 2015, has benefitted from over £50m of Government investment secured by Alex Chalk, including the brand new Chedworth surgical unit opposite the Lido."

Punchline-Gloucester.com said: "This is the start of a long tit for tat election campaign in Cheltenham. What this space! We trust it's going to be a clean fight between two gentlemen who are passionate about the town."