Candidates for Greater Lincolnshire mayor make their cases

PITCHES AHEAD OF TODAY'S ELECTION

- By JAMES TURNER Local Democracy Reporter [e-mail]

SIX candidates are hoping to be elected as the first-ever mayor of Greater Lincolnshire.

Voters from Scunthorpe to Spalding and Grantham to Grimsby will have the chance to choose who will represent the area when polls open at 7am today.

Candidates from the Conservative Party, Labour Party, Reform UK, Liberal Democrats, Lincolnshire Independents and Green Party are all contesting the post.

The winner will lead the newlyestablished Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority, which includes the areas governed by Lincolnshire County Council, North Lincolnshire Council and North East Lincolnshire Council.

With the election just days away, the Local Democracy Reporting Service invited all six candidates to share their final pitches - and explain why they believe they should be mayor.

Sally Horscroft (Green Party)

"I am deeply concerned about creating a sustainable future for our county and us.

"My vision for Greater Lincolnshire is as a centre for research, innovation and development, particularly in green technologies and agriculture, building on expertise and the work of our universities and colleges and providing highskill, high-wage employment.

"I want to build a resilient, diverse economy, able to withstand economic and climatic challenges, together with strong, sustainable communities. We need to tackle the inequality - in health, wealth and opportunity - that is holding so many back from achieving their full potential.

"Our region has historically been under-funded by Westminster and, as Mayor and advocate for Greater Lincolnshire, I would fight for us to receive our fair share of funding. To attract new talent, and encourage young people to stay, life outside work is important - access to sports facilities, nature, the arts, a thriving night life and vibrant town centres.