Candidates vying to be next South Holland and the Deepings MP give their reaction to the General Election 2024 date

Candidates who are hoping to be the next MP for South Holland and the Deepings have welcomed the announcement of the General Election date.

Rhys Baker (Green Party), Jack Braginton (Liberal Democracts) and Paul Hilliar (Labour) have responded to the news that the country will be going to the polls on July 4 - and are looking forward to challenging current MP Sir John Hayes. Mark Le Sage has also announced his intention to stand as an Independent.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the date of the election in the pouring rain while the D:Ream song ‘Things Can Only Get Better’ was played in the background by a cheeky protester.

Bourne man Coun Baker, who sits on South Kesteven District Council, had previously stated his intention to show that the Green Party has a lot to offer.

He said: “I am really excited that the people of South Holland and the Deepings finally have the opportunity to choose hope, and an MP who will always vote in their best interests.

“This is a chance to vote for a different vision of what our area can be and to reject the narrative of managed decline and stagnation. We are facing a cost-of-living crisis, a crippled NHS, an abhorrent lack of warm, affordable homes, sewage being pumped into our rivers, and a farming and growing community that is increasingly side-lined and ignored; I can't wait to lay out practical, Green solutions to all of these.

Mr Braginton is the youngest candidate to stand at the age of 23 and previously stated that he wanted to be part of a political shake-up as ‘nothing works in this country anymore’.

Mr Braginton said: “On their third Prime Minister in five years, the Conservatives have finally decided to let the people have their say. Although, for a man who claims to have a plan, Rishi Sunak didn’t even have the foresight to bring an umbrella to the steps of Downing Street. Lurching from crisis to crisis, and blaming everyone but themselves, The Conservative Party has failed the people of South Holland and the Deepings.

“The Liberal Democrats are ready to step up and replace the Tories as the party of rural communities up and down the country, where voters have been taken for granted for too long.

“My focus as a local candidate is to be a real alternative to this two-party system, and to address the systemic injustices holding our rural communities back. We will campaign hard for every vote, taking nothing for granted. This will be an historic election, and the Liberal Democrats are ready.”

Sir John Hayes has held the seat since the 1997 election.

He said: “This election offers local people the chance to choose a Conservative or Labour Government.

”It offers too a chance to support my work, meeting thousands of constituents year in year out, to help so many with all kinds of problems and challenges.

”And it offers me the chance to make sure that we continue to successfully fight for more funding for our area – building on the £62 million the Conservative Government have given over the last year, more money than ever before to tackle crime, improve roads and get healthcare to where it’s needed.

”In the last five years we have faced extraordinary challenges; a world pandemic, a war in Europe, and conflict in the Middle east - with huge consequences.

”This election is about who you want to speak for you in Parliament. The next five years, given the worldwide instability, means we can’t afford the risk of Labour. “

Spalding has received £20million for the revamp of the Castle Sports Complex, £20 million for the ‘left behind town’ money and is also benefitting from £20 million to improve A16, which is funding changes at Springfields and Greencell roundabouts.

Former Spalding Grammar School pupil Mr Hilliar was the last candidate to announce his intention to stand

Mr Hilliar said: “The Prime Minister has finally called the election that the country has been crying out for. He's out of ideas and it's clear that only Labour have a plan to get Britain's future back.

“Last week we set out our first steps for government: deliver economic stability, cut NHS waiting times, launch a new Border Security Command, set up Great British Energy, crack down on antisocial behaviour and recruit 6,500 new teachers.”

“Each of these steps will have a real impact on the people of South Holland and the Deepings and I look forward to setting out our plans over the coming weeks.”

Mr Le Sage represents St Mary’s Ward on South Holland District Council - taking the seat last year from former district council leader Gary Porter.

He said: “As a life long resident of South Holland, a nurse working in the Deepings, a district councillor and a well known face who has campaigned locally for good causes, I bring a wealth of local knowledge and expertise to this election.

“We have shown that the independent voice can be powerful locally, as demonstrated by the strong show of Independent councillors at the district elections. This change in the political tide, combined with my passion for community development, make me the strongest contender in the upcoming election.

“This general election presents an opportunity for South Holland and The Deepings to elect a representative who truly understands the local challenges and is prepared to fight for our area. It’s time for change!”

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