The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
I would like to reply to your article ‘Why failed devolution bid makes me sad’ (Voice, last week).
Lord Porter writes that he is sad that the devolution deal offered to Lincolnshire will not now go ahead, but as an elected official is he not aware that his job is to represent the people of South Holland, and not to pursue a political ideology.
Lincolnshire County Council undertook a consultation on whether to accept a Mayoral Combined Authority, which resulted in 47 per cent backing the idea, and 49 per cent opposing the idea.
Based on that result the people of Lincolnshire have voted against having a mayor, and the district and county councillors should respect the wishes of the electorate. An elected mayor is seen as just an unnecessary level of elected government which is not wanted, just like the Police and Crime Commissioner.
If the government is so keen to give this extra money and powers to the regions then why don’t they just do so?
It is not often I agree with Martin Hill, leader of Lincolnshire County Council, but on this occasion it was refreshing to read that he voted against a Combined Mayoral Authority, and also encouraged his colleagues to do so. He was one of a rare breed of Conservative councillors voting against the wishes of his own party, and for the wishes of the people.
Maybe Lord Porter should follow his example.
Andrew Bowell
via email
