Independents in the South Kesteven District have kicked off their campaign to win County Council seats next year by announcing their first four candidates.

The candidates are from diverse backgrounds and include an environmental specialist and a chocolate manufacturer, the latter of whom seeks to be a giant killer.

Coun Paul Wood is leader of the Independent Group at South Kesteven District and hopes to regain the Hough Division, which he has previously served as a County Councillor.

He said: "Success at last year's SKDC elections rejuvenated the Independent Group and we now have a strong team spirit even though, as Independents, we have diverse opinions, motivations and backgrounds. I am looking forward to the elections in May and hopefully returning to County Hall with my colleagues".

Coun Jan Hansen is well-known in Folkingham and beyond as the chocolate man. Last year, he defied expectations by narrowly winning the Toller Ward of SKDC from a high-ranking Conservative.

In May next year, he hopes to top this achievement by toppling Lincolnshire County Council Leader Coun Martin Hill.

The four candidates have been planning their campaigns since being endorsed at a socially-distanced meeting of SKDC Independent Group councillors in Folkingham, last Summer.

It was a fitting location for the decision because the Folkingham Rural Division is currently represented by aforementioned Coun Martin Hill, who has been responsible for many of the County's unpopular policies and decisions of the last few years including the withdrawal of funding from libraries and youth services, the controversial six-figure pay-off of the Council's Chief Executive and the ongoing proposals to build 260 houses on the popular Mill Field green space in Market Deeping.

Coun Phil Dilks is a popular campaigner from Deeping St James who is well-known across the county for his involvement in successful campaigns including: ending subsidies to private schools; saving the Deepings library; as well as promoting free public transport for pensioners and disabled people.

Cllr Dilks has previously served 2 terms on the County Council.

Coun Ashley Baxter will be contesting the Deepings West and Rural area for the fourth time. He has previously missed out by just 15 votes.

Coun Baxter is a Chartered Environmentalist who lives in the Deepings with his young family. He has been an active supporter of the campaign to save Mill Field and was also heavily involved in the campaign to save Deepings Library from County Council cuts.

Many people believe Coun Baxter would have won the seat four years ago if the Conservatives hadn't conspired to split the Independent vote.

The last-minute nomination of a 'kamikaze' candidate guaranteed a Tory win and it was no surprise when the so-called Independent stood as a Conservative candidate in the SKDC election just two years later.

Local Authorities are planning for the elections to go ahead on Thursday 6 May although the ongoing Coronavirus situation might prompt the government to announce a last-minute delay.

If the elections take place as anticipated, they will also include the delayed elections for a Police and Crime Commissioner for Lincolnshire as well as referendums on Neighbourhood Plans.

• EDITOR'S NOTE: If you are standing in the upcoming county council elections, please let us know. Tell us why, what do you have to offer, why should people vote for you. Email photo and details to [email protected]