November 10, 2016 8.24 am This story is over 87 months old

First three candidates come forward for Sleaford and North Hykeham by-election

The first three candidates vying to become the next MP for Sleaford and Hykeham have been unveiled. As reported first on Lincolnshire Reporter, the by-election will take place on Thursday, December 8. The by-election has been triggered by the sudden resignation of Stephen Phillips on Friday, November 4. Refuse driver and former postman Jim Clarke…

The first three candidates vying to become the next MP for Sleaford and Hykeham have been unveiled.

As reported first on Lincolnshire Reporter, the by-election will take place on Thursday, December 8.

The by-election has been triggered by the sudden resignation of Stephen Phillips on Friday, November 4.

Refuse driver and former postman Jim Clarke was selected as Labour Party candidate at a meeting on Wednesday, November 9.

He said: “This is my home and it will be a great honour to represent Sleaford and North Hykeham.

“People here in Sleaford and North Hykeham need a local representative that is going to stand up for them and be their voice in Parliament.

“It is not right that in 2016 working people here in Sleaford and North Hykeham are having to choose between heating and eating.

“It is not right that Grantham Hospital hasn’t enough doctors to keep the hospital A&E open overnight. I will fight for the resources to protect our local NHS and I will stand side by side with local people campaigning to keep Grantham A&E open 24 hours a day.

“We have a Tory government with no plan for Brexit. Here in Sleaford and North Hykeham 62% of people voted for Brexit.

“But they didn’t vote to put their jobs at risk, they didn’t vote to lose their rights at work and they didn’t vote for price rises on everyday essentials.

“Immigration played a big part in the Brexit result and I will not ignore that. We need to earn people’s trust and show that we respect will of the people, but will also hold the government to account on ensuring the best deal for Britain, which protects our local jobs.

I will be a campaigning candidate, and I will be out on the doors from tomorrow, standing up for local people showing them that only Labour will put Sleaford and North Hykeham first.

Joining Jim Clarke on the ballot will be North Kesteven district councillor Mark Suffield, who is standing as an Independent.

Peter Hill, who is also known as The Iconic Arty-Pole, is standing for the Monster Raving Loony Party.

The Conservative Party is expected to announce its candidate on Thursday, November 10.

UKIP will also be likely to announce its candidate this week, probably on Friday, November 11.

The Liberal Democrats will select their candidate on the same day.