On the 1st of May, the citizens of Lincolnshire will head to the voting booths to elect their inaugural mayor for the newly formed Greater Lincolnshire authority. Among the candidates vying for this position is Labour’s Jason Stockwood, a 54-year-old former chairman of Grimsby Town FC, who hails from Grimsby himself. Stockwood’s journey hasn’t been the typical political career path. His early years were spent in a council estate raised by a single parent, with initial jobs ranging from dock work to call centre roles and waiting tables. His journey, however, led to a successful business career, creating thousands of jobs and investing heavily in local communities. Stockwood’s proudest achievement, he shares, is becoming a co-owner of his childhood football club, Grimsby Town FC. If elected, Stockwood promises to improve transportation, focusing on roads, buses, and trains, with plans for more bus routes, affordable fares, and an extensive pothole repair campaign. He also vows to bolster pride and safety in the region by tackling antisocial behaviour and revitalising high streets. Standing firm against Reform politicians, Stockwood pledges to protect public services, particularly the NHS. Furthermore, he plans to safeguard the coast and countryside with robust flood defences and a reformed planning system. Lastly, Stockwood promises to secure and create jobs by enhancing skills across the community and attracting significant investment to the area.
This story was adapted by The Lincoln Post from original reporting by www.bbc.com.
