Results announced for Grantham by-elections
Two Conservative candidates have won seats in a by-election.
Councillor Matt Bailey (Con) has been voted in for Grantham St Wulfram’s Ward and Councillor Paul Martin (Con) has been voted in for the Lincolnshire County Council’s Grantham north division seat.
For Grantham St Wulfram’s ward, Coun Bailey won with 361 votes, with candidate Susan Swinburn (Ind) coming in second with 233 votes.
On his election, Coun Bailey said: “I think I’m rather overwhelmed by all of the support.
“This is my first election and it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster.
“I believe to be a successful councillor, you need to listen to what people want and their concerns.
“I am looking forward to the challenge.”
On his election to a LCC seat, Coun Martin said: “It should be remembered that the reason we have had these two by-elections is the sad passing of the long serving Grantham stalwart, Councillor Ray Wootten.
“Many residents who I spoke to over the last month talked highly of Ray which I believe is a fantastic tribute to him and his work for the community.
“Like many residents I can see the growth in population and development means we need the infrastructure and services to match.
“I want to ensure this happens. Our hospital is a concern. We need to ensure the safety of residents but not forgetting that patient’s relatives, in particular our elderly, must be able to visit their loved ones who can be sent to hospitals some distance away.
"Our rural areas are receiving applications for many solar farms, development, and environment changes. Adaptation is important but not at the expense of what makes Lincolnshire a great place to live, our countryside and our way of life.
“I will work hard, listen to residents and keep a close eye on costs to the taxpayer. I would like to thank all those who voted in the election.”
The full results for this by-election were as follows:
Jonathan Cook (Lab) - 173 votes
Anne Gayfer (Green) - 145 votes
James Osborn (Lib Dem) - 135 votes
Dean Ward (Ind) - 24 votes
For Grantham North division, Coun Martin won with 762 votes, with candidate Councillor Tim Harrison coming in second with 446 votes.
The full results for this by-election were as follows:
Jonathan Cook (Lab) - 380 votes
Anne Gayfer (Green) - 193 votes
Nathan Sweet (Lib Dem) - 87 votes
Dean Ward (Ind) - 74 votes
The by-election was called for after the death of Councillor Ray Wootten.
Coun Wootten sadly died in August of this year, aged 71.