My name is Sam Wigley, and I’m standing as your Reform UK candidate for the Hykeham Forum division in Lincolnshire County Council.

Full statement

I’m not here to play politics as usual. I’m a veteran of the British Army, a father of four young children, and a Cyber Security Consultant who’s spent my life serving, protecting, and delivering results. I’m running because Hykeham Forum deserves better—better leadership, better financial management, and a council that puts you, the residents, first.

For 12 years, I served as a Combat Medical Technician in the British Army, working with some of the finest regiments in the country, including the Household Cavalry Regiment and Lincolnshire’s own 2nd Battalion, the Royal Anglian Regiment. I’ve deployed across the globe—from Nigeria, Ghana, and Tunisia to Cyprus and Jordan—facing challenges that demanded discipline, resilience, and a no-nonsense approach. Whether it was working under pressure or supporting my comrades in tough conditions, I learned what it means to take responsibility and get the job done. Now, I’m bringing that same commitment to Hykeham Forum.

I’m a family man, raising four children—all under 10—right here in Lincolnshire. I know the daily struggles of balancing work, family, and bills. As a Cyber Security Consultant, I protect businesses and individuals from threats in a fast-changing world. That job has sharpened my ability to cut through complexity and focus on what works. I’m not here to waffle or dodge the issues—I’m here to tackle them head-on and build a stronger, fairer future for our community.

Lincolnshire County Council is in a mess—£460 million in debt, with £52,000 of your money swallowed up every day just to pay interest. That’s not a council serving you; that’s a council failing you. As your Reform UK candidate, I stand for low taxes, low regulation, and slashing the red tape that holds us back. We need a council that lives within its means, not one that spends like there’s no tomorrow and leaves our kids to pick up the tab. I’ll demand accountability and efficiency, making sure every penny works for Hykeham Forum.

Lincolnshire has been systematically underfunded while the Conservatives, who’ve controlled Lincolnshire County Council for over 20 years, failed to tackle this injustice during their 14 years in government. Our county gets over £300 less per household than the national average—a £120 million annual shortfall—straining services like adult care and road maintenance amid our rural challenges and aging population.

Despite a 90% cut to our main government grant since 2011, the Tories did nothing to reform a funding system that shortchanges rural areas like ours in favor of urban centers. Reform will fight for a fairer deal, demanding proper funding and local control to deliver the services Lincolnshire deserves.

I could go on!

I’m not here for titles or photo ops. I’m here to serve you, just as I served my country. The Army taught me leadership under pressure; cyber security taught me problem-solving; raising four kids keeps me grounded. I’ll bring that experience and determination to the council to deliver a leaner, smarter Lincolnshire. Together, we can cut waste, lower taxes, and make Hykeham Forum thrive.

On election day, you have a choice: more of the same—debt, delays, and disappointment—or a fresh start with Reform UK. I’m asking you to lend me your vote not because I assume it’s mine, but because I want to earn it by delivering for you. Let’s build a Hykeham Forum where our kids succeed, our streets are safe, our vulnerable are cared for, and our council works for us—not against us.