Andrea Jenkyns Wins Greater Lincolnshire Mayoral Race in Historic Reform UK Victory
Dame Andrea Jenkyns has made history by becoming Reform UK’s first elected mayor after winning the inaugural Greater Lincolnshire mayoral election on May 1, 2025. Her win marks a major moment for both her party and UK politics.
A Breakthrough Win for Reform UK
Andrea Jenkyns, a former Conservative MP, won the race with 42% of the vote, beating Conservative candidate Rob Waltham by nearly 40,000 votes. This region has long been seen as a Conservative stronghold, making her win even more significant.
Her success reflects growing support for new political alternatives as many voters move away from traditional parties like Labour and the Conservatives.
Election Controversies and Her Response
Jenkyns faced criticism during her campaign, with some opponents questioning whether she met the residency requirements to run. These claims were rejected, allowing her to stay on the ballot.
In her victory speech, she accused her rivals of using "dirty tricks" to try to stop her campaign. “We have a new dawn in British politics,” she told supporters. “The rebuilding begins here.”
What This Means for UK Politics
This win is a huge step for Reform UK. It shows that voters are willing to support new parties and ideas. Jenkyns’ performance will likely shape how both Labour and the Conservatives plan for future elections.
The spotlight is now on how she governs Greater Lincolnshire and whether her leadership brings real change — a test not just for her, but for her party as it looks to grow its influence nationally.
