Dame Andrea Jenkyns, the Reform UK mayoral candidate for the Greater Lincolnshire constituency, is currently embroiled in a controversy. Her eligibility to stand for the election has been formally questioned due to her status on the electoral roll – a key requirement for those wishing to run. Reform UK maintains that the complaint is politically motivated and without merit. A hearing has been scheduled for the coming Friday, directly before the election on 1st May.
According to the guidelines laid out by the Electoral Commission, prospective candidates should either live, work, own property in the area, or be listed on the electoral roll. Despite these requirements providing provision for second home registrations, Dame Andrea’s recent addition to the North Kesteven electoral roll at an address in Bassingham has surfaced as a point of contention. The North Kesteven District Council has acknowledged the formal objection and confirmed that due process is being followed.
The leader of Reform UK, Nigel Farage, has characterised the allegations as an attempt to manipulate electoral law, vocalising that Dame Andrea is presently dividing her time between Lincolnshire and Yorkshire. He attributed her split residency to her role as a carer for her disabled child, and assured that upon election, she will transition her full-time residency to Lincolnshire.
It is rumoured that the source of the objection is an election agent working for one of the other five mayoral candidates. Currently, local councils reserve the right to dismiss complaints without necessitating a hearing. However, if judges deem it suitable, a hearing must be held within a week’s span. Although the hearing’s verdict will not directly impact the impending election, it could potentially trigger future legal disputes against the election outcome through the Election Petitions Office.
This report has been adapted by The Lincoln Post, based on original reporting supplied by bbc.com.
