The City of Lincoln is gearing up for an important election next month, with candidates confirmed for the local council elections on Thursday, May 7. Lincolnshire Live reports that one seat in each of the city’s 11 wards will be contested, making this election pivotal for the control of the council.

Originally, these elections were set to be postponed due to a significant shake-up of the council structure. However, following a legal challenge, the government decided to proceed with the elections as planned. Currently, the Labour Party holds the majority with 21 of the 33 seats, while the Liberal Democrats have six, the Conservatives five, and there are two unaligned councillors.

All major parties are participating in the elections, with candidates from Labour, Conservative, Reform, Liberal Democrats, and the Greens standing in every ward across the city. Additionally, the Lincolnshire Independents have nominated two candidates, while both the Liberal Party and the Trade Union and Socialist Coalition have one candidate each.

Polls will be open from 7am to 10pm on May 7, and voters are reminded to bring valid photo ID to the polling stations. This election will be particularly significant as it is the last before the council is dissolved under a planned reorganisation.

Here’s a look at the candidates vying for your vote in each ward:

**Abbey Ward**: Elicia Boni (Green Party), Martin Christopher (Liberal Democrat), Deborah Fisher (Labour), Brian Haughton (Reform), Alex Sayer (Conservative), Roger Smith (Lincolnshire Independents).

**Birchwood Ward**: Paul Akomeah Osei (Liberal Democrat), Alan Briggs (Conservative), Jamie Cave (Reform UK), Belle Reynolds (Green), Amanda Spalding (Labour and Co-operative).

**Boultham Ward**: Andrew Currie (Labour), Debbie Grant (Liberal Democrat), Stephen Ledgeway (Reform UK), Oliver Morgan (Conservative), Charles Rodgers (Green).

**Carholme Ward**: Lesley Allinson (Labour and Co-operative), Tinashe Chipawe (Liberal Party), Robert Cross (Reform UK), Nick Parker (Independent Trade Union and Socialist Candidate), Josh Parkinson (Green), Ross Pepper (Liberal Democrats), Charlie Rogers (Conservative).

**Castle Ward**: Joshua Connor (Liberal Democrat), Mazyar Khidir (Conservative), Helena Mair (Labour), Mabon Melbourne (Reform UK), Katie Rudd (Green).

**Glebe Ward**: Debbie Armiger (Labour and Co-operative), Darrell Harding (Liberal Democrat), William Hunter (Conservative), Gareth Shields (Reform UK), Matty Stevens (Green).

**Hartsholme Ward**: Adrian Barrett (Green), Victoria Brooks (Conservative), Jim Charters (Liberal Democrats), Stuart Grantham (Reform UK), Lisa Pocklington (Labour).

**Minster Ward**: Elizabeth Hughes (Reform UK), Emils Lacis (Green), Vasco Pinto (Conservative), Aidan Turner (Liberal Democrat), Joshua Wells (Labour).

**Moorland Ward**: Funmi Adeyemi (Labour and Co-operative), Matthew Fido (Conservative), Liam Kelly (Reform UK), Seamus Murray (Green), Joshua Spires (Liberal Democrats).

**Park Ward**: Ryan Campbell (Liberal Democrats), Harriet Conway (Labour), Sally Horscroft (Green), Thomas Hulme (Conservative), Turon Miah (Lincolnshire Independents), Craig Rhodes (Reform UK).

**Witham Ward**: Josh Allen (Conservative), James Bean (Reform UK), Bill Bilton (Labour), Sharon Osborne (Liberal Democrats), Lynda Skipper (Green).

With the election just around the corner, residents are encouraged to engage with the candidates and learn more about their platforms. This is a crucial moment for Lincoln’s political landscape, and every vote will count as the community prepares for changes ahead.

What issues are most important to you as you consider your vote in the upcoming Lincoln elections?