A RETIRED vet says it is a “great honour” to be selected as a Conservative candidate for a forthcoming Lichfield District Council by-election.
Richard Stephenson will contest the Alrewas and Fradley seat when the vote takes place on 24th July.
The vacancy was created after former council leader Mike Wilcox stepped down for “personal reasons”.
The Conservatives will be keen to win back the seat which they had previously held until Mr Wilcox switched to become an independent member prior to his resignation.
Former vet Mr Stephenson, who is now a university lecturer, said he was looking forward to the opportunity to stand up for local residents.
He said:
“It’s a great honour to be selected as the local candidate for the area where I have lived and worked for the last 20 years.
“I am very passionate about our beautiful villages and will fight to preserve their charm and character.
“Alrewas and Fradley are fantastic places to live but are constantly under threat from over-development. I am very concerned about the damage that further quarrying could do to our local environment and roads.
“There are many positive things going on in Lichfield – a new cinema and, at long last, a health centre within easy reach of our rural communities. I want to help ensure that our district continues to be a place where everyone can thrive.”
Cllr Doug Pullen, Conservative leader of Lichfield District Council, said:
“With nearly four decades serving as a trusted veterinary surgeon in the Lichfield district – establishing community initiatives like Speedwatch and standing firmly against excessive quarrying – Richard embodies local commitment and proven leadership.
“I have every confidence he will champion our community’s voice effectively.”
Is this the same candidate that has stood in Burntwood previously? I guess it’s only fair that after the Conservative Party sent Cllr Wilcox to stand in Burntwood that Burntwood now returns the favour and sends a candidate back the other way.