In a defining moment at Lincoln Cathedral, Dame Andrea Jenkyns has been sworn in as the inaugural mayor of Lincolnshire. Standing as a candidate for Reform UK, she emerged victorious in the recent elections with an overwhelming majority, securing over 40,000 votes. As the leader of the newly established combined authority, Jenkyns is set to manage a £24 million yearly budget, addressing vital areas such as housing, public transport, and economic growth over her four-year tenure.
In her speech given prior to the official ceremony, Jenkyns, a previous Conservative MP, showcased a strong bond to her fresh role, expressing, “I wish to extend my gratitude to all who elected me and even to those who didn’t – I’m here to represent you all.” She pledged to continuously campaign for the welfare of the county’s inhabitants.
She has prioritised the creation of a Lincolnshire transport authority with an aim to improve bus and rail services. Additionally, she underscored her commitment to nurturing business development, especially within the defence sector. An annual ‘Great Exhibition’ is among her initiatives, striving to present Lincolnshire’s vast cultural diversity to an international audience.
In her role as mayor, Jenkyns will work in conjunction with a delegation from local councils, guaranteeing a collaborative approach to governance. This signifies a renewed era for Lincolnshire, projecting a progressive vision under Jenkyns’ leadership.
This article was re-created based on original reporting by www.bbc.com, for The Lincoln Post.
