With only a few weeks left until Greater Lincolnshire’s inaugural mayoral election, some residents find themselves perplexed about the role’s responsibilities. On 1 May, voters from North East Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire, and those under Lincolnshire County Council’s purview will select one of six candidates as mayor of the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority (GLCCA). The elected mayor will assume control over local transport services, oversee the construction of new infrastructure like roads or business parks, and is anticipated to spearhead the ‘skills agenda’, aiming to ensure ample opportunities for training the next generation of care workers, plumbers, or engineers. Yet, many voters remain uncertain about what the mayor will do for them.
While cities like London and Manchester have long had mayors, it seems Lincolnshire’s residents are still adjusting to the concept. This is evidenced by several residents’ responses, including Nicola Lockwood, owner of Bells Tea Shop, who expressed a need for clarity on the mayor’s responsibilities and a desire for support for small businesses. Similarly, marketing worker Blake Francis and teaching assistant Christine Bingley plan to read up on the mayoral elections closer to polling day, with an interest in public spending, environmental issues, and the state of healthcare. Hairdresser Lewis Gollin is looking for policies that improve people’s financial situations, while kitchen assistant Sam Mather expressed concerns about immigration.
As the mayoral elections approach, it appears that Lincolnshire’s residents are eager for more information to make an informed decision on who will best represent their interests and needs.
This story was adapted by The Lincoln Post from original reporting by www.bbc.com.
