I am delighted to have been nominated to be your Independent Candidate in the East Lindsey District Council Croft Ward by-election on Thursday 24th October.

Full statement

My name is Paul Collins and I was born in Skegness and my father was from Wainfleet. I live in Seacroft with my wife Lisa and have five daughters. I have had a varied and interesting career, my last role was 17 years as Director of Business Development at Boston College, where I managed large numbers of staff and multi-million pound budgets.

I know that many of us feel let down by mainstream politicians, I certainly do, that's why I decided to become independent. The Councillors from political parties mostly just do what the leaders tell them, they will not put you first, all this leads to is higher bills and poorer services. I don't owe anyone any favours and I have no personal business interests I want to promote. I will act in an honest and open manner to try to ensure the decisions taken by ELDC are in your best interests. I care very deeply about fairness in our society and I want to see a return to a more consensual form of politics where your councillors work together, in your best interests, whatever their political allegiance.

It has been my honour to serve the local community as a Councillor on Skegness Town Council. On this council I serve on the Management and Planning Committees, and I am also the Chair of the HR Committee. When the late Councillor Dennis became ill I also agreed to cover for him as the Town Council representative on the Lincolnshire Association of Councils, I had hoped this would only be a temporary measure, sadly this was not to be.

As a councillor I make a point of responding promptly to the issues raised by members of the public, and these have ranged from environmental issues, the poor train service offered by East Midlands Rail, poor signage and public toilet provision in our area, petty crime, ensuring potholes are filled in and raising the need for ELDC to have a long term plan for the maintenance of its street furniture and signage. Like most of you, I don't want to see our area ruined by gigantic electric pylons, and I will fight this.

We need councillors who are committed to ensuring every penny of the council tax you pay is carefully spent, you need a representative who will challenge council officers and scrutinise expenditure, I will do that. I produce a regular electronic newsletter to let constituents know what is going on.

I hope you will give me your support, so I can then support you. My contact details are at the top of this leaflet and I would be more than happy to hear from you if there is anything you wish to discuss.