2016 Sleaford by-election
 Dustman, former postman and GMB activist Jim Clarke |
The 2016 Sleaford by-election, caused by the resignation of Tory MP Stephen Phillips on 4 November 2016, is scheduled to take place on 8 December 2016.
Contents
Candidates
Labour
Dustman, former postman and GMB activist Jim Clarke was chosen by the local CLP on 9 November as Labour’s candidate for the seat. He said:
- “We have a Tory government with no plan for Brexit. Here in Sleaford and North Hykeham 62% of people voted for Brexit.
- “But they didn’t vote to put their jobs at risk, they didn’t vote to lose their rights at work and they didn’t vote for price rises on everyday essentials.
- “Immigration played a big part in the Brexit result and I will not ignore that. We need to earn people’s trust and show that we respect will of the people, but will also hold the government to account on ensuring the best deal for Britain, which protects our local jobs.
- "I will be a campaigning candidate, and I will be out on the doors from tomorrow, standing up for local people showing them that only Labour will put Sleaford and North Hykeham first.
- "I am ready for the challenge to be Sleaford’s next MP."[1]
Conservative
On 11 November, Consultant paediatrician Caroline Johnson, who contested the Scunthorpe seat in the 2010 General Election (coming second to Labour) was selected for the by-election. Dr Johnson, who is married with three children, said:
- "I am the only person who can support the prime minister and the government to deliver Brexit. I am completely behind the government's plans for Brexit and to deliver on the decision made by the British people."[2]
Liberal Democrats
Former Chair of Lincoln Lib Dems Ross Pepper, who works for a "well known Opticians", was selected on 11 November.[3]
UKIP
UKIP leadership contender Suzanne Evans announced on 11 November that she was pulling out of the selection process for the by-election.[4] Two days later, UKIP decided its candidate will be county councillor Victoria Ayling. UKIP chairman Paul Oaken said:
- "Victoria is already working hard to represent local people and will now use all of her experience to make sure that UKIP continues to speak up for the common sense voters in Sleaford and North Hykeham."[5]
Others
- Kesteven district councillor Mark Suffield is standing as an Independent.
- Peter Hill, who is also known as The Iconic Arty-Pole, is standing for the Monster Raving Loony Party.[6]
References
- ↑ "Immigration 'played a big part' in the EU vote – Labour’s PPC in Brexit by-election"
- ↑ "Sleaford by-election candidates line up for Tories and Labour"
- ↑ "Lib Dems select Ross Pepper for Sleaford and North Hykeham by-election"
- ↑ "UKIP leadership contender Suzanne Evans pulls out of race to be candidate in Sleaford and North Hykeham by-election"
- ↑ "Sleaford and North Hykeham by-election: UKIP chooses candidate"
- ↑ "The first three candidates vying to become the next MP for Sleaford and Hykeham have been unveiled"
