Diogo Rodrigues spent his early childhood in London before his family moved to Essex. In 2015, he relocated to Somerset, where he has established strong roots and become an integral part of the community.
Diogo has been an elected councillor since 2015, serving on all three tiers of local government. He currently holds the position of Leader of the Conservative Opposition on Somerset Council.
Diogo was raised by parents who worked tirelessly to build a better future. His parents benefited from Margaret Thatcher’s right-to-buy scheme, purchasing their council flat in London before building their own business. As a teenager, Diogo balanced school with working in the family business, experiences that instilled in him a strong work ethic.
Following in his parents’ footsteps, Diogo ventured into the business world, successfully opening three businesses - managing teams, navigating challenges, and overcoming the upheaval of the Covid pandemic. He later successfully led a thriving Chamber of Commerce, where he represented over 170 businesses and built strong ties within Somerset’s business community.
In politics, Diogo has demonstrated a commitment to service and leadership. He served as Mayor of Bridgwater in 2018/19 and played a key role in the 2022 Somerset elections, supporting a county-wide Conservative ground campaign. As Chairman of the Bridgwater Conservative Association, he has led efforts to win in Bridgwater at every level, achieving significant victories, including securing the only Conservative MP in Somerset at the 2024 General Election, through strategic planning, strong teamwork, and determination.
Whether in business, politics, or community leadership, Diogo is driven by a commitment to hard work, resilience, and making a positive difference for the people he represents.