Reform wins Greater Lincolnshire mayoral race

Dame Andrea Jenkyns swept to victory in the race to become the first Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire.

The Reform candidate took over 40 per cent of the vote and collected 40,000 more ballot papers than her nearest rival Conservative Rob Waltham.

The former Conservative MP and county councillor becomes Reform’s highest profile political figure representing 1.1 million people in the combined authority of Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire. She will also oversee a budget of £24m for the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority.

“For too long Westminster has overlooked Lincolnshire. As Mayor I will fight for our fair share, securing investment in transport, infrastructure, and local industry,” she said on the campaign trail.

“I will stand up for farmers, back small businesses, and ensure our public services work for the people, not government bureaucrats. I will cut waste, restore common sense, and put Lincolnshire’s priorities first.”

Her campaign was overshadowed by claims that Jenkyns was ineligible to stand as she did not really live in the area. A formal objection from fellow mayoral candidate Marianne Overton’s team was dismissed but led the new mayor to comment it ‘was one of the worst campaigns I have ever done’.

A Brexiteer, who received her damehood in former Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s resignation honours, the new Mayor of Lincolnshire will have her diplomatic work cut out as she will chair the main board overseeing strategic decision-making and ensuring that devolution powers are used effectively to benefit the region. This is made up of six members from the county councils – all Conservatives including Cllr Waltham, who was one the most vocal critics of her eligibility.

The election results were 

• Andrea Jenkins – Reform 104,133 (42%)
• Rob Waltham – Conservative   64,585 (26%)
• Jason Stockwood - Labour   30,384 (12%)
• Marianne Overton - Independent   19,911  (8%)
• Sally Horscroft – Green Party   15,040  (6%)
• Trevor Young – Liberal Democrat   13,728  (5%)