Reform UK has responded to a complaint lodged against the candidacy of Dame Andrea Jenkyns in the Greater Lincolnshire mayoral election. Arguing that the complaint is ‘vexatious and politically motivated’, the party remains confident that it will be dismissed. The Elecotral Commission is set to hold a hearing on Friday, 25 April, a few days prior to the election. The complaint raises questions about Dame Andrea’s eligibility founded on her residence, suggesting that her primary residence is in Yorkshire where she previously served as an MP.
Nonetheless, Dame Andrea is on the electoral roll in North Kesteven, a requirement for all candidates as they must live, work, or hold property in the area they intend to represent. Dame Andrea, who has established connections to Lincolnshire, has committed to shifting her residence on a permanent basis to the area if elected as mayor. She has dismissed criticism regarding her affiliations with Lincolnshire as ‘disingenuous’.
A spokesperson for Reform UK alleges that a family member of a competing candidate lodged the complaint in an attempt to undermine their campaign. At present, Dame Andrea is renting in the area and has indicated she will move full time after the election results, if successful. The decision is dependent largely on her son’s educational requirements.
This article was amended by The Lincoln Post, based on the original reporting found at www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk.
