South Holland District Council election race kicks off with candidates for Spalding, Holbeach, Fleet, Donington, Quadring and Gosberton revealed

The starting gun has been fired ahead of this May’s election race, with names of some of those standing now being revealed.

The South Holland Independents have announced some of their candidates who will by vying for your votes for seats on the district council on May 4.

Group leader Rob Gibson has confirmed he will be standing again in the Spalding St Paul’s area - along with three other names confirmed for different South Holland District Council wards.

He said: “We are happy to have the chairs of Holbeach and Fleet Parish council on board. It’s nice to have some new candidates with quality experience.”

Rob Gibson (Spalding St Paul’s)

“It has been my pleasure to represent Spalding St Paul’s for the last four years,” he said.

“In that time I have achieved many things from bins, to pot holes, yellow lines, Covid help, flower delivery, Christmas present delivery, Fulney bells and more.

“Please vote for your South Holland Independent candidates to enable us to support you locally.”

Sophie Hutchinson (Holbeach Town)

She said: “I am actively engaged in my community; organising events, enhancing open spaces, and championing local issues like infrastructure.

“I believe local government should be about local people, not politics.

“As a new face with fresh ideas, I’m determined to bring about positive change in Holbeach and South Holland.”

Paul Barnes (Fleet)

“I have always enjoyed being involved with the people and area of where I live,” he said.

“Shortly after moving here, I joined Fleet Parish Council and have been chairman for the last three years.

“I think I have encouraged some differences in how things are now done and I would like your vote so I can try to make bigger differences at district level for Fleet parish.

“The parish is the people - I would like to be your voice.”

Jane King (Donington, Quadring and Gosberton)

“I have been a district councillor for 12 years.

“In that time I have supported many local groups and organisations, worked hard to get the library open, the post office open, become part of the parish council, a Governor at the primary and high school and much more.

“I have lived, worked and shopped locally which I feel is important when representing you.”

Aidan Forman has also confirmed that he will be standing for the Labour party in the Spalding Wygate ward.

The last Labour councillor was elected to the South Holland District Council in 2003.

In a post on social media he said: “I am standing because I feel strongly about making a difference, and I would love the opportunity to bring a fresh outlook to the council to make a positive difference in the local area.

“I have lived in South Holland all my life, and I live within the ward I am standing in, I would relish the opportunity to represent the residents of the ward.”

The Conservatives currently have control of the council with 25 of the 37 ward councillors.

Independents represent the other 12 wards across the district.

Coun Christine Lawton has announced that she will not be standing again this year.

Coun Lawton, who represents the Spalding Wygate ward with Coun Roger Gambba-Jones, is retiring from her council work.

Speaking at the last full council meeting before the election, Coun Lawton thanked the ‘splendid team’ she worked with during her time as portfolio holder for HRA and private sector.

Voter ID needed for elections for the first time

This year’s election will be the first time when voters will need to take ID with them to polling stations.

Anyone who wishes to vote during the elections on May 4 will need to show photo ID before they are given their ballot paper.

Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a UK, EEA or Commonwealth drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card.

Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.

The deadline to register to vote is midnight on Monday, April 17.

Anyone can apply online at gov.uk/register-to-vote.

What do you think? What should the candidates be looking to do to get your vote? Email andrew.brookes@iliffepublishing.co.uk