Why you should vote for each candidate in the upcoming Shepshed by-election

The candidates for an upcoming by-election in Shepshed have been released, and each one has explained why they believe they should get your vote.

Charnwood Borough Council has said that six candidates will take part in the Shepshed by-election after former Reform councillor Helen Butler announced she would step down.

The six-way election race will see Labour, Conservative, Green, Reform, Restore, and Liberal Democrat candidates face off for the seat.

The by-election will take place on Thursday, October 15.

The six candidates are as follows:

• Stuart Wood – Reform UK
• Sarah Monk – Conservative Party
• Jane Lennie – Labour Party
• David Kellock – Green Party
• Katy Brookes-Duncan – Liberal Democrats
• Alec McKenzie – Restore Britain

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) reached out to each candidate to ask why they feel like they should be elected. Here’s what they had to say:

Stuart Wood – Reform UK

In a statement to the LDRS, veteran and former police officer Mr Wood said: “I’ve dedicated 34 years to public service — six in the British Army, six in the Prison Service, and 22 with Leicestershire Police, finishing as an inspector.

“I’ve spent time with Shepshed’s community groups, listening to concerns and applying my frontline experience.

“I understand the real pressures on policing, health and social services because I’ve lived them.

“My priority is strong, accountable leadership for local people”.

Sarah Monk – Conservative Party

Sarah said that she was standing because she “doesn’t sit back when things aren’t right”.

She added: “I’m a straight-talking, hands-on councillor and I’m not afraid to challenge the council, ask difficult questions or keep pushing when I don’t get the answers residents deserve.

“I’ve fought on housing and HMOs, challenged poor standards and services, and got stuck in on local issues rather than simply pointing them out from the sidelines.

“I can’t promise to fix everything overnight. What I can promise is that I’ll listen, I’ll speak up, and I won’t give up when the going gets tough.

Jane Lennie – Labour Party

Charnwood Borough Councillor Jane Lennie said that she was born and raised in Shepshed and was “proud to call it home”

She added: “For over a decade, I’ve served you as your town councillor. I’m a borough councillor too. I’ve helped restore bus services. I’ve worked for you because I love Shepshed just as much as you do.

“Shepshed feels neglected by County Hall. I don’t think that’s good enough, and I know you don’t either. We deserve our fair share.

“We deserve the best. I’m standing to be a strong local voice for Shepshed at County Hall.  I’m determined to get the fair share of the services we pay for – better buses, roads, and care.”

David Kellock – Green Party

Mr Kellock told the LDRS that he’s standing because he believes Shepshed “deserves a strong local voice at County Hall”.

He added: “For me, being a Green councillor means putting local people before party politics.

“Greens don’t have a party whip telling us how to vote, so I can listen to residents, make my own decisions and speak up when I believe something is wrong.

“I’ll be accountable only to the people of Shepshed. If you want a councillor who will listen, challenge and put Shepshed first, I’d be honoured to have your vote. Vote Green. Vote David Kellock”. 

Katy Brookes-Duncan – Liberal Democrats

A spokesperson on behalf of Ms Brookes-Duncan said that she would make a “great” candidate as she lives in Shepshed and “knows the area well”.

They added: “She already had a track record as a local campaigner, having been involved in the successful campaign to force the county council to reopen the Shepshed tip”.

Alec McKenzie – Restore Britain

Alec told the LDRS that he decided to run for councillor because he was “frustrated with things happening around [him]”.

He added: “My girlfriend lives 10 minutes from the proposed Piddington asylum site, and my concern for her pushed me to take action and try to protect Shepshed’s women and children from any future proposed sites.

“Politics feels outdated to me, so I want to bring a youthful, common-sense approach and some business nous, making sure our taxes are spent efficiently and cutting red tape to get things done faster.

“I chose Restore Britain because I believe Rupert Lowe genuinely looks out for British people’s interests and isn’t afraid to call a spade a spade”.