In an intense digital debate, individuals challenging to become the inaugural Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire confronted significant topics including solar farms, housing, and economic growth. As the critical election draws near, the winner will guide the fresh Greater Lincolnshire Combined Authority, overseeing an annual budget of £24 million for investment, affecting areas such as economic growth, skills, transport, and planning.
The development was collaboratively managed by Reach PLC as well as Iliffe Media and saw impressive involvement on various platforms, drawing in thousands of spectators. Five out of the six competitors were engaged: Sally Anne Horscroft representing the Green Party, Lincolnshire Independents’ candidate Marianne Overton, the Labour party’s Jason Stockwood, Conservative party’s Rob Waltham, and Liberal Democrat representative Trevor Young. However, Reform UK’s candidate, Andrea Jenkyns, was noticeably missing.
Solar farms were a controversial subject, with every candidate expressing their opposition to their positioning on agricultural land. Horscroft from the Green party proposed their installation on top of car parks, while Waltham from the Conservative party emphasised his council’s command for new buildings to incorporate solar. Labour’s Stockwood supported farmer independence, whereas Overton from the Independents criticised large companies profiting from solar farms. Young of the Liberal Democrats expressed his concerns for the future of farming in Lincolnshire.
The candidates also reviewed the topics of economy, housing, and transport. While Horscroft and Waltham were in favour of a combined transport system, Stockwood leaned towards a publicly owned model following consultations. Young supported nationalising due to loss-making in rural areas, and Overton quoted her history in helping subsidise vital services.
Housing debates revolved around social housing and energy efficiency, with Horscroft and Stockwood endorsing synchronised strategies and retrofitting existing properties. Waltham highlighted the severe problem in homes for the elderly, while Overton and Young emphasised the necessity to address local requirements and shortages in skills.
Regarding the economy, Stockwood suggested a £1 billion investment into agricultural and green technology. Waltham strived to enhance business confidence and land development, while Young criticised post-16 education and spotlighted high rates of unemployment.
Addressing the issue of governmental neglect, all candidates agreed on the underrepresentation of Lincolnshire. Waltham promoted the mayoralty as a harmonised voice, while Horscroft highlighted longstanding funding imbalances. Overton, with her Local Government Association experience, committed to obtaining funding for critical services.
The debate also delved into the disputed street lighting policy. Stockwood regarded it as beyond the mayoral scope, while Young held the Conservative party responsible due to inaction, and Horscroft proposed alternatives that activate by motion.
