Election 2019 round up of the other parties

The Green Party enjoyed a better showing in South Holland than previously but they fell narrowly short in a bid to land a first councillor in the area.

Alistair Crisp caused plenty of concern for Conservative Gary Taylor but he took the result with 289 votes to 233.

Alistair was one of three members of the Crisp family who stood for the party.

The Green Party spokesman, Heather Violett, who finished fourth in the Spalding Wygate ward just ahead of Martin Blake, said: “Nationally, the Green Party had a net gain of 194 council seats, taking total representation to 362 councillors over a record 122 local councils.

“South Lincolnshire Green Party is understandably disappointed that South Holland isn’t one of those but we are extremely grateful to the many residents who chose us on their ballot paper, giving local Green candidates our highest ever percentage of the vote.

“The Greens aim to be inclusive, encouraging young people to become involved in the political process, and this year we were joined by two candidates of Eastern European background. We believe it is truly important to ensure diversity in local representation, something rather less common in the mainstream parties.

“It may not have been our turn this time round but we will continue to work towards Green Party representation on South Holland District Council in the future.

* UKIP had two elected members in the 2015 election but both Paul Foyster and Pete Williams (who did not stand this time around) subsequently announced as Independents.

UKIP had two candidates this time but Eddie McNally missed out to Peter Coupland in Fleet while Richard Fairman came within 72 votes of breaking the Conservative monopoly of Moulton, Weston and Cowbit.

* It was also a disappointing night for Labour duo Rodney Sadd and Janet Barnes in Monks House who finished fourth and sixth.

Rodney said: “Many people were punished for the wrong reasons, but whatever umbrella you stand under it is good to see so many people who share the same passion for their local communities.”

* The only Liberal Democrat candidate, Neil Oakman, finished in sixth position in the Spalding Wygate Ward.