Reform UK picks ex-police officer to steer Lincolnshire council

Reform UK has chosen a retired police officer to steer Lincolnshire County Council.

Councillor Sean Matthews, who represents Tattershall Fort, spent 25 years within the Metropolitan Police earlier than leaving in 2018.

His celebration took management of the council from the Conservatives after successful 44 of the 77 seats in an election on 1 Could.

Matthews mentioned it was “an honour and a privilege” to grow to be the brand new chief and pledged to ship on “a transparent mandate for severe change”.

Councillor Rob Gibson will function Matthews’ deputy.

Reform UK loved a double success within the elections, with Dame Andrea Jenkyns successful the race to grow to be the primary mayor of Better Lincolnshire.

“What we have now achieved right here is unimaginable. From a standing begin we now have full management of the council and a very good Better Lincolnshire mayor,” mentioned Matthews.

He’ll take over as chief of the council from the Conservatives’ Martin Hill, who led the authority for 20 years.

Hill, who retained his Folkingham Rural seat, has stepped down as Tory group chief in favour of Councillor Richard Davies, citing the necessity for “recent blood”.

The total council will meet on 23 Could.