Former Police and Crime Commissioner candidate backs Lincs Independents in by-election

A candidate in this year's Police and Crime Commissioner elections in the county has spoken out in favour of one of a local county and district councillor in the running for the Sleaford and North Hykeham by-election.
Daniel Simpson, former Lincolnshire Independent candidate for the Police and Crime Commissioner's role in Lincolnshire. EMN-161130-161231001Daniel Simpson, former Lincolnshire Independent candidate for the Police and Crime Commissioner's role in Lincolnshire. EMN-161130-161231001
Daniel Simpson, former Lincolnshire Independent candidate for the Police and Crime Commissioner's role in Lincolnshire. EMN-161130-161231001

Daniel Simpson stood in the PCC elections back in May as a Lincolnshire Independent. He has thrown his weight behind his party’s leader and candidate Marianne Overton in the forth-coming by-election which has seen a lot of interest from Westminster since the resignation of Tory MP Stephen Phillips who cited differences with the Government over policy, including its handling of Brexit.

Mr Simpson told the Standard: “Lincolnshire is crying out for doctors to come, work and stay here and nationally the British government actively encourages doctors to these shores from all over the world to make up the shortfall in the profession.

“In view of this and the considerable cost to the public purse to train much needed doctors is it a good use of a very valuable resource to vote another one into Parliament?”

Marianne Overton - Lincolnshire Independents EMN-161130-161248001Marianne Overton - Lincolnshire Independents EMN-161130-161248001
Marianne Overton - Lincolnshire Independents EMN-161130-161248001

He was alluding to Dr Caroline Johnson, a consultant paediatrician at Peterborough Hospital, who is standing for the Tory party and has said her full time job would be as an MP although insisting someone with first-hand, up-to-date front line knowledge of the NHS would understand the issues it faces.

Mr Simpson said: “There are 18 doctors in Parliament, 10 of which are already Conservative. Do we need any more in Parliament? Definitely not. They are more use at Grantham A&E.”

Dr Johnson said the NHS is very close to her heart: “Grantham A&E saved my husband Nik’s life on two occasions and I will be actively campaigning on that issue and for availability of GPs. Grantham is a growing town and needs an A&E service and I understand from the CEP of United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust that it is their intention to open it again full time as soon as they have recruited enough staff. I would be against any downgrading of services.”

Also standing in the by-election on December 8 are: Jim Clarke (Labour), Ross Pepper (Lib Dem), Peter E Hill (Monster Raving Loony Party), David Bishop (Bus Pass Elvis Party), Paul Coyne (Unalligned), Mark Suffield (Independent) and Sarah Stock (Independent).