Firstly, I just wanted to say a massive thank you to every single one of you that voted for me on May 2nd. I have been incredibly touched by your congratulatory e.mails, messages, tweets, likes and very kind comments so thank you for taking the time to get in touch. I said many times on the doorstep that we expected it would be very close and in the end just 211 votes separated the top three candidates. As a result my first ever count was a very nerve-wracking experience indeed and I’m relieved we knew the result so early in the day as many other wards took much longer. An Independent win in Biggleswade South represents a swing of over 52% away from the Conservatives and that is a huge achievement that was only possible with all of your support.
The results were:
Mark Foster Conservative 1,180 Elected
Georgina Marie Gale Labour 602
Michael North Conservative 969
Duncan Strachan UKIP 453
Julian Vaughan Labour 588
Hayley Whitaker Independent 1,072 Elected
Timothy Woodward Independent 577
Overall the turnout was higher in Biggleswade South (34.4%) than in the North (29.0%). Added to this the number of spoiled ballot papers was much lower in Biggleswade South (30) compared to Biggleswade North (140) which most likely reflects the very active campaigning in the South and the frustration of voters in the North who only had Labour or Conservative candidates to vote for. I know that many of you contacted me who didn’t feel you could vote with such limited options and I hope that my victory will inspire an Independent to stand for Biggleswade North next time around.
So what now? I have an induction day as a new councillor on May 13th and it’s going to take a similar amount of time to be allocated to different sub-committees. However, if you know me at all, you may already have guessed that I’ve already started work and you’ll be hearing from me shortly about Stratton School farm. You can expect me to be accessible, open and eager to listen to your concerns and help wherever possible. I will be keeping you informed of everything I’m doing and what’s happening at Central Beds through regular posts on FB and newsletters that you’ll be able to sign up for shortly.
So thank you all once again for every single vote! To those of you who talked to your friends about me or put posters up I am so grateful for everything you’ve done – our work paid off. I have a small team of helpers that popped leaflets through doors and they were simply fantastic. My husband, Matt, was amazingly supportive – he’s a very fast leaflet distributor, taxi service and cook and I am indebted to him for being the best support anyone could wish for.
I truly look forward to working with people in the community going forward so please do get in touch with any concerns, I want to hear them.