Candidates set for by-elections

Four candidates will be contesting the forthcoming Central Beds Council by-election for the Biggleswade South Ward.

The seat has been vacant since the tragic death of former Councillor Peter Vickers in August and the by-election is due to take place on Thursday, November 15.

Biggleswade mayor Councillor Tim Woodward is the Conservative Party candidate.

Mr Woodward is currently serving his second term as mayor and is also a governor of Biggleswade Academy Trust: Holmemead Middle School.

He lives in Biggleswade with his wife Nicola and four sons and works for an American software company.

He promises to support the campaign to keep Biggleswade Hospital open, ensure council tax is spent wisely and support small businesses and traders.

Also standing is the Labour Party candidate Sheila Grayston.

Retired Mrs Grayston worked for 30 years as a social housing manager and has two daughters, six grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

She is a former Biggleswade Town Councillor, vice-chairman of governors at Ivel School and chairman of the Biggleswade and District Pensioners’ Association, among other roles.

Mrs Grayston wants to provide an alternative voice to make sure everyone in Biggleswade is represented.

Gee Leach is the Liberal Democrat candidate.

She has worked for Sellors and Lettors estate agents in Biggleswade for many years.

Gee also runs a community group to help young people who have had difficult times to get their lives back on track.

She helps them with life skills like budgeting and applying for jobs. Gee has four grown-up children.

Also contesting the election is Jonathan Medlock, who is standing as an independent candidate. Businessman Mr Medlock was born in Langford and has served on Biggleswade Chamber of Trade.

He has run a number of successful businesses over the last 10 years.

As a business owner and resident he believes he has a real insight into what makes Bigglewade tick.

He wants to improve parking and traffic flow in the town centre, help independent businesses to thrive and maintain the good presentation of Biggleswade’s streets and market square.

Mr Medlock is also standing in the Biggleswade Town Council by-election on the same night, for Mr Vickers’ former town council seat.

The Labour candidate for the town council by-election is Mike Smith.

Mr Smith is a former chairman of Biggleswade Labour Party and he promises to focus on improving parking, dealing with litter and other mess on the streets and keeping Biggleswade Hospital open.

The Conservative Party candidate is Michael North, who has lived in Biggleswade for almost 20 years.

Actuary Mr North is married with three grown-up children.

If elected he will take a particular interest in the environment, transport and planning. He also wants to make sure Biggleswade adapts to its expanding population.