Incumbent MP for Lincolnshire made a speech in the grounds of Lincoln Castle earlier this afternoon to launch his campaign to win the constituency again.

Good afternoon everybody! It’s great to see so many of you here again.

Today I launch my candidacy to be the Member of Parliament for Lincolnshire. This is a constituency close to my heart - I grew up just half an hour from this wonderful city, and it is one I have of course had the pleasure of representing for the past few terms. I believe that the best decision not only for Lincolnshire, but for the nation as a whole, is to re-elect UnexpectedHippo, and the Conservative and Unionist Party.

We are just metres from one of only four existing copies of Magna Carta, situated deep in the Castle. Magna Carta was one of the first ways in which power was taken away from the elite, and, whilst we may not recognise it today, it was a huge step towards the democracy we enjoy today. As we celebrate the history of a people taking back power from the elite, I find it fitting to be standing in a constituency that voted overwhelmingly to leave both the European Union and the Single Market. Once again, we have chosen to take the opportunity to reclaim our sovereignty.

It is important that we use this opportunity and fly into the global community. Much as the butterfly flutters gracefully out of its confines, we, having left the Single Market trap, can rise to bigger and better things on the domestic and global stage. There is only one party who can lead us through this period and into prosperity: the Conservative and Unionist Party.

But it is not just on Brexit where the Conservatives are head and shoulders above. Just look at what we’ve done this term: We’ve repealed damaging socialist legislation such as TULRA, the Companies Act. We’ve increased choice in education and healthcare through private vouchers in both areas. We’re revolutionising veterans care, starting with the Veteran’s Health Act. We’ve made it easier than ever to get on the housing ladder throughout Right to Buy and Help to Buy.

And there is yet more to come. In the coming days, we will be launching the Conservative and Unionist manifesto, which will contain our vision for a Britain under the Conservatives. One thing is for sure: It will be a prosperous vision not based on negativity or scaremongering, but based on an understanding of what it takes in government.

We’ve accomplished so much together already. But I’m just as eager as I’m sure you are to accomplish so much more next term. The only way to ensure that the Conservatives are the ones in Downing Street is by voting for UnexpectedHippo.

Thank you all very much for coming here today, and please do care on your way home - I don’t know where this snow has come from, but I think it makes campaigning even more picturesque, don’t you?

With that, UnexpectedHippo left the lectern with applause from those gathered. After meeting with campaigners and party members for some time, Mr. Hippo left in his car.