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Reform UK bidding to attract Lincolnshire independent councillors to the party for May county council elections




Reform is looking to attract independent councillors to join its party as part of a plan to make major inroads in this area in May.

Voters will go to the polls on May 1 to elect representatives on Lincolnshire County Council — and Reform has said it will stand a candidate in every seat.

This paper understands that talks have been held with members of the South Holland Independents group, with Reform looking to recruit them to stand for the party here. It’s said that Boston and Skegness MP Richard Tice may have been involved in the discussions — and that party leader Nigel Farage may be deployed to Lincolnshire to campaign for Reform in the run-up to May.

Voters go to the polls on May 1. Photo: stock
Voters go to the polls on May 1. Photo: stock

The South Holland Independents group currently form the official opposition group on South Holland District Council after success in 2023’s local elections.

Leader Rob Gibson did not wish to comment directly on the prospect of his members joining Reform — saying ‘we will see’ and that there was ‘potential’ but that no decisions had been made yet.

He added: “I think before or after any election people always consider their options and see where they are.

“As an independent it is difficult to get your voice heard. The possibility of a party sometimes comes with benefits.”

Rob Gibson has highlighted drugs issues in Spalding town centre
Rob Gibson has highlighted drugs issues in Spalding town centre

He said that each councillor is weighing up their own choice, adding: “We set up the South Holland Independents so we could enjoy the benefits of the logos and the website etc. Everybody is still independent and makes their own mind up.”

When asked if he would be surprised to see members switch allegiance to Reform, he said: “I think politics is changing rapidly at the moment and I think people are crying out for something new.

“I must admit I am not in a party because I don’t align with any of them. I am sick of the never-ending game between the blue team and the red team in which we are just stuck with what we’ve got.”

Rob Gibson (right) who took one of the Independents' 13 seats across South Holland in 2023.
Rob Gibson (right) who took one of the Independents' 13 seats across South Holland in 2023.

James Le Sage has confirmed that he will be standing as an independent councillor for the Spalding South seat in May's elections and won’t be joining Reform.

He said: "Everyone has the right to choose who they want to run for and that is their choice and I respect their choice and the opportunity to exercise that choice.

"Personally I feel that I was elected as an independent and I believe that being independent means you are independent and you don't have to tow the party line and not being told how you are going to vote.

"That is why I am not going to Reform. I can understand why some people want to join Reform but I feel I can represent my constituents views much better as an independent."

Richard Tice and partner Isabel Oakeshott celebrate
Richard Tice and partner Isabel Oakeshott celebrate

It is thought that an independent group in Skegness is also weighing up the prospect of joining forces with Reform.

Boston and Skegness MP Richard Tice has said he did not wish to comment on speculation in the run-up to the election when approached by Local Democracy Reporter James Turner.

When asked if Skegness Urban District Society (SUDS) would be joining Reform, East Lindsey District Councillor and leader Danny Brookes stated that "nothing is ruled out," but said his group was yet to make a decision, especially as the election had only just been confirmed following speculation it could be delayed due to central government’s plan to reorganise local government.

He noted SUDS, which has five members on East Lindsey District Council, will be meeting later this month to discuss the idea of joining Reform in more detail.

Coun Brookes also highlighted that the party supported Reform in last year’s General Election but noted that the small size of SUDS would make it difficult to stand candidates outside Skegness. Even if they managed to get a few members elected, he pointed out how they "wouldn't have a lot of input" unless they were part of a bigger group.

"You've got to think of the bigger picture," he added.

The Conservatives are currently in a strong position on the county council, holding 53 of the 70 seats. South Holland Independents hold the joint second highest number of seats with four.

The candidates for each seat will be finalised on April 2, with an announcement due the following day.

What do you think? Should independent councillors switch to Reform? Let us know your views in the comments below…



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