May’s local elections MUST go ahead warn Leaders across Lincolnshire

The Liberal Democrats have accused the Conservative leadership of Lincolnshire County Council of “running scared” and “silencing democracy” as it emerges the Conservative Council Leader has secretly asked the Government to delay May's county council elections. 

All Lib Dem council group leaders across Lincolnshire have today written to the Minister for Local Government and English Devolution, urging the Government to ignore Cllr Hill's rogue request to cancel elections.

The Government gave councils until 10th January to say if they would prefer to cancel May’s local elections whilst plans for changes to local authorities are discussed.

Almost all councils that have called for elections to be cancelled are Conservative-run, and only Lincolnshire submitted a request without any public announcement, meeting, or consultation. 

Lib Dem Leader of West Lindsey District Council, Cllr Trevor Young, commented:

“This attempt to silence the voice of over half a million people is a scandal. Democracy delayed is democracy denied. The Liberal Democrats will keep fighting to ensure these elections go ahead in May as planned.

“We hope the Minister will put Martin Hill’s request to cancel May’s elections in the shredder where it belongs.”

Leader of the Opposition on City of Lincoln Council, Cllr Clare Smalley added:

“The Conservative Leadership of the County Council are running scared and are attempting to cancel May's local elections to avoid voters appalled with their record of failure. Martin Hill is a chicken, pure and simple.

“The Conservatives are looking at the polls and know they are toast. With our roads riddled with potholes and frontline services in tatters, the Conservatives know they have a woeful record at the helm of the County Council. The public must have the opportunity to vote them out this May.“