​Passion, Politics & Produce: A Local Leader’s Perspective on the Food Industry

In this episode of TheMorePeople Podcast, CEO Andrew Fitzmaurice sits down with Kelham Cooke, former Leader of South Kesteven District Council, current Mayor of Stamford, and a lifelong advocate for the region’s development. They dive into local government, rural growth, food and farming, and the battle to retain young talent in Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire.

It’s a refreshing, grounded conversation that brings politics, community, and the food industry into focus from someone who knows the region inside and out.

From Delivering Leaflets to Mayor of Stamford

Kelham’s political journey began in an unexpected way - delivering campaign leaflets while still at university.

“I got told I wouldn’t win, that it’d just be good for my CV,” he laughs. “Then I got elected. My first thought? ‘What does a councillor even do?’”

Since then, he’s gained experience at every level of local government: parish, district, and county as well as working for two Members of Parliament and now, leading PR and communications for development projects across the East of England.

Today, as Mayor of Stamford, Kelham is still driven by a deep connection to his hometown:

“I grew up here, went to school here. My family and friends are all local. It means everything to me.”

Agriculture, Agritech & Ambition

With many friends in farming and a rural upbringing, Kelham has always had a strong appreciation for the agri-food sector. But it’s more than nostalgia, he sees agriculture as a cornerstone of regional opportunity.

“They call Lincolnshire the food basket of England, and it’s no surprise why so many great food businesses want to be based here.”

Through his time on the County Council, he saw first-hand the importance of investing in infrastructure like the South Holland Food Enterprise Zone, helping food and farming businesses expand, modernise, and stay local.

One of his key priorities? Creating the right kind of business space so companies don’t have to relocate to grow.

“There are amazing businesses here, but we need to make sure they have room to expand and that we can attract more.”

The War for Talent & the Awareness Gap

The conversation turns to a common theme in MorePeople’s work: the shortage of skilled talent in the food and agri industries.

Andrew highlights a challenge echoed by nearly every client:

“Where’s the next generation coming from? How do we get school leavers, grads, even people doing degrees totally unrelated to food into this brilliant but often overlooked sector?”

Kelham agrees and sees education and awareness as the crucial missing piece. Whether it’s apprenticeships, agri-business degrees, or simply school visits, helping people understand what really goes into food production and what roles are available is essential.

“People go to the supermarket, buy an apple, and don’t think twice. But the supply chain that got it there is incredibly complex, innovative, and full of opportunity.”

Both agree: the industry doesn’t sell itself well enough and it should. These are not fallback careers; they’re exciting, valuable, and often very well paid.

The Price Perception Problem

As the discussion deepens, another key challenge emerges: the public perception of food pricing.

“The man on the street thinks food is expensive,” Andrew says. “But compared to Europe or the US, it’s often extremely cheap - especially when you consider the safety, quality, and nutrition standards.”

Kelham adds that this misunderstanding leads to misaligned expectations, and pressure on producers:

“There’s an education gap. When you learn what a grower actually earns from a product versus what it sells for, it’s clear something’s not right.”

He’s seen this imbalance firsthand in his current work supporting solar and renewable energy projects for farmers, many of whom are seeking alternative income just to keep their land viable.

A Regional Future Worth Staying For

For Kelham, the mission is personal: create a future in Lincolnshire and Stamford that young professionals don’t have to leave.

“You should be able to get a great job, afford a home, and have a life here without having to move to London.”

And for Andrew, MorePeople’s ambition is exactly that:

“We want to build a business in Stamford that’s as exciting as anything in London. And we want to be one of many businesses doing that - not the only one.”

Final Word: Shaping the Next Chapter

Kelham wraps up the conversation with a message to the sector:

“We need to support private businesses to grow. They’re the ones who’ll shape the future. Our role in government is to help, not hinder.”

Whether you’re a student, a food producer, or a policymaker, this episode is a reminder that our food system, our local economy, and our talent pipeline are deeply connected, and we all have a role to play in making it better.