My name is Rob Shorrock and I have lived in the Grantham area for the last 18 years. I am a teacher and currently work within the sixth form centre of a school in Grantham. I am standing as the Labour candidate in Colsterworth Rural to provide a challenge to the Conservative incumbent, and to provide an alternative to the years of Conservative control in Lincolnshire which has now clearly run its course.

As you look around your village and community you will see the consequences of a tired, complacent and ineffective council; wrecked roads, non-existent or extremely limited public transport, limited facilities for children and young people, pressures on housing for younger people, limited choice in schools, an increase in crime and creeping development in green and common spaces. And in return, you get an increase in council tax and the highest paid senior officers in the whole of the East Midlands. Doesn't add up, does it?

And what about Brexit? The consequences of Brexit are coming home to roost. Our food producers and small businesses are being enormously damaged by the ideological extremism of those in power who took us out of the customs union and single market with little appreciation or even care for those that it would affect. The full force of this is about to be reckoned with and the Brexit Tories do not have a clue.

So you have a choice. Brexit Tory or Progressive Labour.

You may never have voted Labour before but are unhappy with Brexit and the way the Tories have shifted to the right or you might think the Conservative always wins so do not vote. Then use this election as your chance to send them a message. A solid vote for Labour in a seat like this will truly make them think.

Beyond this, I will provide a genuine, campaigning voice on the county council. You need councillors that will not be afraid to speak up for your area and promote a positive strategy for change. I understand how local government works – how to ask the questions and get the answers. As a former district councillor, I stopped the council selling off its council housing and campaigned for the protection of common green spaces and have been tireless in holding the council to account.

If elected, I will listen to you, fight for you and make the difference. Give me your support and I will:

• Improve access to health and care services

• Working with transport co-operatives, improve the provision of public transport

• Develop young people's forums to promote a voice on services for children and young people in the division

Please lend me your vote. To find out more email [email protected] or visit https://www.facebook.com/robshorrocklabour for information and updates of when I will be in your area.