April 17, 2014 2.57 pm This story is over 119 months old

Three Lincoln councillors won’t stand for re-election

Retiring: Three Lincoln councillors who have collectively served for 37 years will not be standing for re-election in May.

Three Conservative councillors who have collectively served for 37 years will not be standing for re-election on May 22.

Councillors Hilton Spratt (Bracebridge), Councillor Jane Clark (Birchwood) and Councillor Geoff Kirby (Hartsholme) were given framed certificates by Mayor of Lincoln, Patrick Vaughan, at the Full Council meeting on April 15.

Councillor Spratt said: “I’ve served on the council for 14 years continuously, since 2000, and was also a member for Moorland between 1987 and 1991.

“I was really honoured to be Mayor and to have been leader of the Conservative group as well as a portfolio holder for a time.

“The reason I am standing down is work commitments – I have a full-time job as a lecturer at college and I do not feel I can do the role of a councillor justice at the moment.”

Councillor Kirby, who has 12 years’ service, said: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my 12 years on this council.

“I never realised just what it was like being a councillor having been an officer beforehand. I thoroughly enjoy the people side of it all.

“At the end of the day, our job is to do our best to make people happy. It’s not an easy thing to do. On the whole, I’ve found it the most pleasing job I’ve done.”

Councillor Clark, who has seven year’s service, said: “I’ve enjoyed every year and what I’ve done.

“Everything has been exciting but the Olympic Flame visit and the Red Arrows going over was really something.

“Two of my favourite committees have been Equality and Diversity and the Commons Advisory Panel.”

Mayor Patrick Vaughan said: “I’d like to thank Councillors Clark, Kirby and Spratt for their hard work for the city of Lincoln and for their wards.

“I wish them all the best in their future endeavours. Thank you all for your support for our city.”