This past year has been like no other, and has caused many to re-evaluate their work/life balance.
I have taken the decision (not lightly) not to stand again as sitting member for Spalding South in the forthcoming Lincolnshire County Council elections.
I have been pleased and proud to represent the Spalding residents of this division, and these past four years have demonstrated to me the vital work undertaken by our large, and in my view, undervalued upper tier authority.
LCC, for many, means potholes, blocked drains, highways issues etc., and whilst these are important matters, there is so much more work behind the scenes.
As well as working for residents on the above issues, I have had a strong commitment to Adult Social Care, Housing, Health and Care Delivery, Public Protection and major flood and drainage programmes, and more besides.
Each councillor finds their own area of interest, their specialism, and I am sure that the person who I hope and trust will be my replacement- Coun Gary Taylor (a longstanding Cabinet member for communities at South Holland District Council) will make sure his experience stands him in good stead at Lincoln.
With LCC comprising 70 councillors, it takes a strong and confident voice to ensure your community is fairly represented and heard.
I urge voters to place their trust in him for his hard work and sound common sense. I will certainly be working on his behalf.
When politicians say they want to spend more time with their families, this can be used as a “get out” clause or we count the spoons!
I genuinely want to spend some time (when permitted) with my family in the midlands and north of England – whether they like it or not! I hope and pray that the coming months allow this luxury for us all.
Zoom and Teams are necessary and viable substitutes and we are fortunate that they have allowed business, commercial and political, to function throughout this past year.
Though having Luddite tendencies, I have coped, but for me nothing will replace the real meeting, where no one says “you’re on mute” and often how you say something can be as informative as what you say.
So thank you to the residents of Spalding South for bearing with me, and note that I shall continue to represent my Spalding district ward and work as Cabinet member for housing at South Holland District Council.
On May 6 I will be casting my vote for Gary Taylor, and recommend him to the electorate of Spalding South.
Whatever your choice – please use your vote. Democracy really does matter.
Coun Christine Lawton
South Holland district councillor and Lincolnshire county councillor
