By Independent Steve Holland becomes Freshney councillor in surprising win
The local election results for the Freshney ward were announced in the early hours of this morning after the candidates called for a recount.
Independent candidate Steve Holland took the victory with 750 votes as Conservative candidate Callum Proctor came second with 701 votes.
There were cheers and tears as Mr Holland took to the stage, thanking the group ‘Save The Freshney Valley’ and his campaign manager, Lyndsey Downes.
Holland received praise across social media for his victory as an Independent candidate and the work he aims to do for the Freshney Valley.
Mr Holland said back in March that he believed the area “needs more independent voices speaking up for the people of Grimsby.”
“It should be about fixing problems and trying to create a better place.”
He also highlighted issues surrounding his running, adding: “I’ve got no political allegiance- my only concern will be standing up for the residents of Freshney.”
A video of the acceptance speech can be viewed below:
“I’d like to thank the residents of Freshney Ward for taking a leap of faith and voting for an independent candidate.
“It isn’t necessary to belong to a political party to represent the community.
“As an independent councillor, my hope is to work constructively with the council and the borough.”
Following the victory Mr Holland provided a statement on his journey:
“The fact that an independent candidate was able to win in a safe Conservative ward such as Freshney shows how strongly local people feel about the proposed plans to build thousands of houses across the open countryside as part of the Grimsby West Urban Extension.
“The support that the election campaign got was unbelievable. Whole families turning out to vote. The Council says it is a listening Council; well, the message from residents is loud and clear.”
We spoke with Steve Holland back in March, to talk about running independently and a brief outline of his ethos.
