Andrea Jenkyns, the Reform party candidate for mayor, has successfully overcome a challenge regarding her eligibility to stand in the mayoral race. The dispute centred on her presence on the electoral roll in Lincolnshire, a requirement for her mayoral candidacy. Following a private meeting held today at North Kesteven District Council, Ms Jenkyns emerged victorious, a decision she subsequently shared via a social media video in which she expressed both relief and firm determination ahead of the forthcoming election on Thursday, May 1, in which she is currently the poll frontrunner.
Although typically resident in Yorkshire, where she formerly served as an MP for Morley and Outwood until 2024, Ms Jenkyns took up residence in Lincolnshire earlier this year, thus securing her position on the electoral roll. A council spokesperson acknowledged that a formal objection had been voiced; nonetheless, it was asserted that due process had been adhered to.
The Reform party dubbed the complaint as aggravating and politically biased. Ms Jenkyns highlighted her deep-rooted attachments to Lincolnshire, citing her past residency and education in the area, and made a commitment to relocate permanently if successful in the election. She remarked, ‘I relocated in 2015 after securing victory over Ed Balls. Although I rent a home there, I have a son with special needs and as a parent, it would be inappropriate to disrupt his education until the election results are confirmed. If I am elected on May 1, my relocation to the region will become permanent.’
The mayoral candidates for Greater Lincolnshire include Sally Horscroft (Green), Andrea Jenkyns (Reform), Marianne Overton (Independent), Jason Stockwood (Labour), Rob Waltham (Conservative), and Trevor Young (Liberal Democrat).
This report is based on original material courtesy of www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk.
