A West Lindsey District Council by-election has been held by the Conservative candidate – despite a drop in votes.
Jane Ellis pipped her opponents to the post with 378 of the 1,064 ballot papers issued cast in her favour at last night’s (Thursday) Torksey by-election.
She was followed by Liberal Democrat Noel Mullally (346), Brexit Party candidate Nicholas Pearson (299) and Labour’s Perry Smith (37).
When compared to May’s local election, despite a higher turnout (37% in May) the swing saw the Conservatives lose 94 votes, while the Lib Dems gained 12. Labour and Brexit Party did not run in May.
Following her win, Councillor Ellis thanked staff and supporters and wished her opponents well.
“I will work hard for everyone across the Torksey ward in my new role and I hope we can all come together to build a bright future for everyone,” she said.
Conservative leader of the district council, Councillor Giles McNeill said he was “enormously pleased” by the result.
“After eleven years in power at the council, nine years in government, all the time protecting delivery of frontline local services, as funding from central government has disappeared to still be holding seats in tight contests like this, especially with the malestrom of Brexit, is a real achievement,” he said.
A total of four ballot papers were spoilt.
Councillor Jane Ellis with supporters on the campaign trail. Photo: Gainsborough Conservatives
The turnout of the 2,448 electorate ward was 43.46%.
Mr Kinch, who had served the ward since 2003 said at the time that his business interests were “increasingly” coming into conflict with his role and that he wanted to spend more time with his young family.
The results mean the status quo is kept at the council, with the make-up continuing to be Conservative 18, Liberal Democrat 12, Lincolnshire Independent 2, Gainsborough Independent 2, Independent 2.
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We are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after a collision caused serious injuries to a 23-year-old man.
Just before 3.30pm yesterday (2 July), we received reports of a collision on Barholm Road in Tallington. It involved a grey BMW 335D estate, a blue BMW 116D and an orange KTM motorcycle.
The motorcycle rider, a 23-year-old man, sustained serious injuries during the collision and was taken to hospital.
If you witnessed the incident and are yet to get in touch with us, please do so. If you have any other information or dashcam footage available that may have captured the road along the A1175 at the time of the collision, get in touch.
By calling 101 quoting incident 282 of 2 July.
By emailing [email protected] quoting incident 282 of 2 July in the subject line.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report via the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
The 2022 Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards are open for applications, and Destination Lincolnshire giving you the rare chance to co-create your application with Nell Barrington, a tourism awards veteran, who has helped hundreds of businesses write winning applications over the last 15 years – including national VisitEngland winners.
The Tourism Awards Masterclass is taking place on Tuesday 12 July at 11am for one-hour online. Laura Freer, Head of Marketing at Destination Lincolnshire said: “This is a golden opportunity, after years of hard work and heartache, to get your business and team recognised and rewarded.
“A well written application is key to achieving a coveted place on this year’s shortlist, and I’d encourage all tourism and visitor economy businesses who are thinking of entering – whether they are seasoned at writing award applications or not – to join us for this exclusive masterclass.
“Nell Barrington has worked with us and VisitEngland on the founding application processes of these awards, and she is perfectly placed to assist in co-creating applications that you can be proud of. This is a great opportunity for business development too – whether you are shortlisted for an award or not – discovering how to effectively apply for awards and talk up your business adds another string to your bow.
“Booking is essential and places are limited to just 35 – so be quick! This year we’ve made our masterclass available to partners and also to those who we are yet to work with for free. Call it an added bonus, after two years away from the awards circuit.
The awards masterclass is focussed on the application process, and it will spell out what the judges are looking for. You’ll learn how to make your application stand out from the local competition, helping your chances of going through to the national VisitEngland Awards in 2023.”
There are fifteen categories open for nominations from visitors attraction, accommodation providers, hospitality businesses and many more.
The deadline for nominations is July 29, with online judging starting on July 30 and mystery shopping from August 13. Finalists will be announced on Monday, August 15.
The awards ceremony will be held at the Engine Shed on October 21, and will be hosted by Lincs FM presenter, John Marshall.
The event is organised by Stonebow Media, publishers of The Lincolnite, to celebrate the best businesses in Greater Lincolnshire, alongside headline sponsors Lincoln College and Destination Lincolnshire.
We would also like to thank our other sponsors Visit Lincolnshire, Heart of Lincs, Duncan and Toplis and LNER, insight6 and EV Camel.