On Monday 28th July 2014, Victoria Atkins was selected as the Conservatives' Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Louth and Horncastle.
Sir Peter Tapsell MP has represented the area for nearly 50 years. He announced recently his intention to stand down at the General Election in 2015.
Local Conservatives wanted to open up the process of selecting their next candidate and therefore invited the public to help in the selection process. An "Open Primary" was held on Monday evening, in which approximately 220 local people attended. The four finalists were cross-examined by the audience for half an hour each, with questions ranging from local healthcare issues to the recent government reshuffle.
Victoria said, "I am delighted and honoured to have been selected as the Conservative candidate for Louth and Horncastle in the 2015 General Election.
Sir Peter Tapsell is a Parliamentary legend. He has seen 10 Prime Ministers in the course of his public service. I look forward to working with Sir Peter over the coming months, building on his achievements and continuing the important progress he has made in relation to flooding and other issues.
I also look forward to working with local people, councillors, schools, employers and voluntary bodies to protect and promote the local economy, services and opportunities, whilst safeguarding the countryside and coast.
In short, I want to help ensure that Louth and Horncastle remains a wonderful place to live."