Stuart Kinch, who has served as a Conservative District Councillor for the Torksey Ward for over sixteen years, since May 2003, has written to Ian Knowles, West Lindsey District Council’s Head of Paid Service to inform him of his decision to resign his public office. Stuart said:

“I have decided to resign as an elected member of West Lindsey District Council because my business interests will increasingly come into conflict with my role as a district councillor. It has become clear that I will not able to fulfil this role to the fullest extent that I would wish as my business interests continue to expand. I am also the father of my three children and with a young family I want to be their for them and my wife Sara.

“The past sixteen years I have been really proud to represent the communities of the ward – Brampton, Marton, Fenton, Torksey, Little London, Kettlethorpe, Laughterton and Drinsey Nook. I have seen ups and downs for the Conservatives locally; but the current period of politics is visceral. We need to remember the things that we have in common. I have been pleased to work with colleagues from all-parties and none on the Council in my time. I am grateful for our Leader’s understanding and wish him and my Conservative colleagues every success in delivering for the people of West Lindsey.

“I will always be proud of the memories of my time in office, knowing that local people had put their trust in me on five occasions. I regret deeply that I am unable to complete my full term as their district councillor.”

Cllr. Giles McNeill, the Conservative Leader of West Lindsey District Council, said:

“Stuart’s knowledge of business and property development has been an invaluable resource in recent years as we have expanded our commercial activities. He is one of the longest serving members and the district has been enriched by his years of public service.

“As Stuart’s business interests have evolved it has become recently clear that continuing in his role as a district councillor will present real conflicts. I am impressed that he has chosen to put personal interest aside and step down from the Council.

“I am very sorry to lose such a good councillor and friend; I and my colleagues wish him the very best for his business and family-life going forward.”