Conservative group announces shadow executive at Lincolnshire County Council to hold controlling party Reform UK to account
The Conservative group at Lincolnshire County Council has announced its official shadow executive team to scrutinise the newly elected Reform UK administration.
Group leader and Grantham West councillor Richard Davies said the team would hold the administration to account and prepare for the next election.
In May, the Conservatives lost 40 seats, Labour and Independents six, while Reform gained 44 and the Liberal Democrats two.
“While our numbers may be smaller, we remain by far the most experienced group of councillors on Lincolnshire County Council,” said Coun Davies.
“Our team brings together a wide range of professional backgrounds, and we understand what it takes to run a strong and effective authority.
“This shadow executive is more than just an opposition team — it’s the team I intend to lead into the next election to win back control of this council.”
The team will sit on scrutiny committees and help shape policy.
Washingborough councillor Lindsey Cawrey is deputy leader and shadow member for children’s services and culture.
Colsterworth Rural councillor Charlotte Vernon will take on highways and transport, while Waddington and Hykeham East councillor Thomas Dyer will lead on growth and corporate property.
Other appointments include Bourne North and Morton councillor Sue Woolley for health and NHS liaison, Grantham North councillor Paul Martin for flood, water and environment, and Nettleham and Saxilby councillor Jackie Brockway for community safety.
Former council leader and Folkingham Rural councillor Martin Hill has been named shadow executive member for resources, with Spalding South councillor Gary Taylor focusing on waste and trading standards.
Former SKDC leader and Stamford East councillor Kelham Cooke completes the line-up as shadow member for adult social care.
The group now positions itself as vocal opposition as Reform UK begins its first term in charge.
Earlier this month, Coun Sean Matthews, Reform UK councillor for Tattershall Castle, was chosen as Reform UK’s new leader.
His deputy is Spalding West representative Rob Gibson, who defected from the South Holland Independents earlier this year.
The party’s new cabinet is set to be confirmed at the first full council meeting of the new authority at 10.30am on Friday (May 24), when Coun Matthews is expected to formally become the leader of the authority.
