Spalding’s Aidan Forman bidding to get a foothold for the Labour Party on South Holland District Council

Aidan Forman wants to paint the city red – as he seeks to end 20 years of Labor defeats in local elections.

The 33-year-old Spalding resident has announced he will stand as a candidate in the South Holland district council elections in May, bucking the local trend.

The last Labor councilor was elected to the SHDC in 2003, with 25 of the current 37 seats held by Conservatives and the remaining 12 by all Independents.

But Aidan, technology director for a national charity, believes it’s time for a change.

“I was asked to stand up as I feel it would be valuable for the Council to have new people who would bring fresh thinking, ideas, skills and experience to keep things from getting boring,” he said.

“I also think it’s important for the younger generation to feel represented and encouraged that they could potentially become the future generation of councilors in the next 10, 20 or 30 years.

“I’m not naïve in my belief that I can change everything on my own, but I want to bring my pragmatism, skills and experience to the outside world and have the opportunity to make a difference.”

Aidan – who has lived in South Holland all his life, mostly in Holbeach before moving to the Wygate area of ​​Spalding in 2016 where he lives with his wife Hayley, their young daughter and their dog – was campaigning this weekend when Labor tried to raise her profile in what is widely known as the safest Tory seat in the country.

“I stand because I have a real passion for making a difference, I would try to make things better and also represent constituents of the community (Wygate) with honesty, integrity and passion,” he added.

“It would also be important to me to represent people’s views to ensure they are heard and have an opportunity to be heard.

“I would appreciate the opportunity to make a difference to the wider community and also provide challenges and reviews where needed.

“The last Labor Council was elected to the South Holland District Council in 2003.

“However, I hope that people will be receptive and open to change. My question to voters would be, are you happy with the way things are going? and how did the council behave?

“With Spalding High Street run down, the market is a shadow of its former self and South Holland has one of the worst recycling rates in the country. Overdevelopment without the public services to support population growth. Why not give someone else the opportunity to represent you and challenge the things that have frustrated local residents for decades?”

*What do you think? Would you like the Labor Party to be represented on the Borough Council? Post your thoughts below or email [email protected]