New councillors elected to wards previously held by Angela Newton

The Conservatives have gained a seat on the district council by just 12 votes while South Holland Independents have kept the county council seat previously held by Coun Angela Newton.

Her death in August triggered the by-elections won by Steve Timewell and Manzur Hasan respectively.
Flower Parade organiser Steve gained the Monks House ward on South Holland District Council for the Conservative Party after standing for the first time.

He saw off the challenge of Suresh Chauhan representing Angela Newton’s previous party South Holland Independents by 12 votes, 375 to 363. The turn out was 17.8 per cent.

Coun Timewell said: “I feel I have so much to offer the local community.

“As a hard and dedicated worker, I’m one for getting on with the job and getting things done.

“I’m also a listener and happy to work with my residents to fight their cause and address their concerns.

“Having known Angela, I feel confident she would have put any political differences aside and appreciated what I aim to achieve.

“She has made my job very difficult as she’s a hard act to follow.

“All I can do is promise people to do my very best.”

Coun Hasan added the role of Spalding West representative on Lincolnshire County Council to his district council role.

He saw off the challenge of Conservative district council chair Coun Paul Redgate for the seat, gaining 676 votes to 393. There was a 13.8 per cent turn out.

“It is an absolute honour and privilege to have an opportunity to serve the people of Spalding west division,” Coun Hasan said. “I would like to give a very big thank you to the public who voted for me.

“Angela Newton was a great leader and people person.

“I will certainly try my utmost best to continue her good work for the people of Spalding west.”

Just hours after the announcement was made, Coun Hasan was at Lincolnshire County Council’s meeting where he was congratulated “through gritted teeth” by Conservative leader of the authority Martin Hill.

“He has a very hard act to follow and he will serve the people of Spalding West in the spirit and with the hard work his predecessor did.

“Enjoy your term as a county councillor however long that might be.”

You can read Couns Timewell and Hasan’s full statements here and here.