‘We don’t have a magic wand… we have to start working to make things better!” Reform county councillor Ingrid Sheard eager to get cracking after rapid political rise

Reform UK’s Lincolnshire power grab means the hard work starts now, a newly-elected councillor says.

It has been a swift rise in the world of politics for Spalding Elloe representative Ingrid Sheard, who has climbed up from district council hopeful to a member of the county’s controlling party in just two years.

But, as would be expected for such a fast mover, Coun Sheard says she is keen on cracking on with the task at hand.

“I’m really in awe that people have seen how much work there is to be done to get things right,” said Coun Sheard, who told LincsOnline she was working on an ‘adrenaline high’ after a hectic election night and following day.

“Now its up to us to put things in place, start looking at things and getting them better.

“We will be able to make such a big impact and, working together, I think we can have a really big impact.

“We (the Lincolnshire Reform candidates) have had good communications today and now we start to get things done.”

Coun Sheard admitted a seat at Newland was never on her agenda until she found herself elected onto South Holland District Council, initially representing residents as an independent before moving to Reform earlier this year.

“In all honesty, district was the first hurdle. Then once in district and understanding the mechanisms and processes and how things work, it enlightened me to the fact that there are things behind the scenes that need looking at,” she added.

“Decisions are made that don’t involve the public and where we don’t ask people with relevant experience and knowledge of certain matters that effect us.

“If we put the time to get the knowledge and make informed decisions with information we’re given I think we can make far better choices.

“That then drove me to actually want to sit in a county council seat and see what I can do further down the line.”

While Coun Sheard is keen to get to work, she was also quick in pointing out the change she wants to deliver cannot happen overnight.

She added: “I think the people feel that the message Reform has given out is a message of hope and that things will change.

“Things won’t change overnight, we don’t have a magic wand.

“But Reform won’t start squabbling about the past, it’s about what we have currently and looking at improving services.”

There was also a message of thanks to those who voted for the newly-elected county councillor.

“I feel absolutely honoured and privileged that people have come out and supported me and the party as a whole,” Coun Sheard continued.

“I can’t thank those enough who have made their choices and had their voices heard.

“Having been out and spoken to a lot of people I knew people were fed up and it felt as if people wanted change.

“That voice has come through loud an clear.”