Grantham Conservative councillors headed off to Lincoln Showground today, for the first county council meeting since the elections two weeks ago.

Today's meeting was also the Annual General Meeting, which saw the election of Lincolnshire County Council's Chairman and deputy, plus the confirmation of recently announced Executive Member appointments, as reported by Nub News.

It was also the first 'in person' county council meeting since March last year.

The elections two weeks ago saw the Conservatives tighten their grip of power in the birthplace of Margaret Thatcher, with councillors either maintaining of increasing their majorities on the county council.

Among them were Richard Davies, who was pleased and thankful to be re-elected in Grantham West, gaining more than double the support of his Labour runner-up, as previously reported by Nub News.

Coun Davies, who remains the county council's Executive Member for IT and Highways told Nub News. "I had hoped to be re-elected and certainly on the campaign trail I felt like I was getting a lot of support.

"The issues were undoubtedly local in nature, in particular were traffic concerns, potholes, litter and house building. Litter and fly-tipping were a new issue and I am keen to see how we can make the tips operate better and support voluntary groups to keep Grantham looking great."

However, whilst Grantham and the north of South Kesteven stayed true blue, Independents took three seats from the Tories in Deepings and Stamford.

Coun Davies said: "In Grantham we did fight a strong campaign and have a track record of delivering, in the south of the district we need to do more to build connections into the community. With a greater mix of councillors in the Deepings and Stamford there is more 'small p' politics at play.

Looking ahead to four more years, Coun Davies added: "We are very grateful for the support the people of Grantham and Lincolnshire have shown. Off the back of this endorsement I am determined to do more to help our town but also push national government into supporting our area than they have done in recent years."

In Grantham East, Coun Linda Wootten, wife of Grantham North's Ray Wootten, was happy to be re-elected, especially fearing much opposition from several rivals, including former Grantham mayor Ian Selby, who ran as an Independent.

In the end, as previously reported by Nub News, Coun Linda Wootten delivered another Tory triumph.

Coun Wootten, who also thanks her electorate, said: "It was obvious that my majority would be reduced due to having lots of opposition candidates. I knew I had worked hard on the Division since first elected in 2013 and, I have achieved a lot. I also have plans going forward.

"It was a very different election in many respects down to the pandemic and further complicated by the death of the Duke of Edinburgh, where we were rightly expected to show our respect by not continuing our campaign through a period of mourning.

"Campaigning came into the technological age , with a lot work being done on line via Facebook and other social media posts. I personally do not do social media, as I am always available and answerable to residents via email, home phone and the mobile phone. I have often dealt with residents complaints whilst on holiday!"

"It was a positive response on the doorstep with both national and local politics, although we were not knocking on doors. The public were pleased with the Prime Minister with reference to Brexit and the vaccination programme, although I had queries about the Council tax increases and Highway issues.

"Potholes are the bane of ones life both for road users and Councillors alike. The public can report them in online on FixMyStreet.

"The withdrawal of 12 million pounds of Highway funding from the government was a real body blow prior to the election and, a decision was made to take that amount out of County reserves to replace the deficit. It must be over a year since I have travelled to Lincoln and the deterioration on parts of the A607 was very apparent."

Coun Wootten continued: "Regarding Conservative losses in the south all I can say is, politics is not an easy occupation, as it's difficult to establish yourself when you are a new candidate and, it's equally as difficult to stand up against people who are constantly in the media spotlight.

"The councillors who have gained seats on Lincolnshire County Council, who are now dual hatters [sitting on both councils] won't have any detrimental impact on life at SKDC. The two Councils are responsible for different services so therefore are different entities."

In Grantham South, Coun Adam Stokes fought off a strong Labour challenge tin the ward he took from Labour in 2017. His majority was just 13, which he increased to almost 200, as also reported.

Coun Stokes, a former Grantham mayor and current Cabinet Member for Finance on SKDC called it a 'fantastic achievement' to increase his majority this way.

"Over the last term I had dealt with many problems and these are now starting to be completed especially when it comes to road resurfacing which residents are delighted about.

"On the doorstep when out campaigning residents were more concerned with local issues rather than national such as roads, litter and hospital. I did get a few positive comments over the vaccine roll out as well.

"With regards to the independent candidates winning seats they are fairly high profile individuals in their relevant divisions so I think that played a part in those results more than anything."

Coun Stokes added: "I just want to get across that I'm deeply honoured to have been reelected in the division that I live and look forward to working hard for everyone in the next 4 years to make this division even better."