Reform UK’s Andrea Jenkyns Sees Eligibility Challenge Dismissed
A challenge to Reform UK’s Dame Andrea Jenkyns’ eligibility to run for mayor in Lincolnshire has been dismissed at a council hearing, despite concerns over her residency. According to a report by Left Foot Forward, Jenkyns, who lives in Yorkshire, was cleared to stand for the mayoral election in Lincolnshire after a complaint was lodged with North Kesteven Council questioning her right to stand.
The challenge was brought forward due to Jenkyns’ Yorkshire residence, despite her being added to the electoral roll at an address in Bassingham, near Lincoln, earlier this month. Jenkyns has stated that she will move to Lincolnshire full-time if she wins the mayoral election. In a post on X, Jenkyns claimed she was a "smear campaign survivor" and used the ruling to rally voters in Lincolnshire to support her. The former Tory MP accused Independent mayoral candidate Marianne Overton’s husband of orchestrating a "lies and smear campaign" against her.
As reported by Left Foot Forward, the X account, Reform Party UK Exposed, shared a post following the ruling, stating: "Lincolnshire, you’ve been had. @andreajenkyns is celebrating being eligible as a candidate for Mayor of Lincolnshire today. On a technicality. She lives in a village near Leeds. She changed her address on the electoral roll twice, once to her campaign manager’s, then to a new one for the convenience of this election." The post went on to say: "As she says, ‘voice of Yorkshire, will move if she wins’. Hold her to that, as doubt she will."
The eligibility challenge was dismissed at a council hearing on Friday, allowing Jenkyns to continue her mayoral campaign. Left Foot Forward reported that Jenkyns used the opportunity to rally support from voters in Lincolnshire, claiming she had overcome a "smear campaign" against her.
The controversy surrounding Jenkyns’ residency has sparked debate among voters in Lincolnshire. While some have expressed concerns over her eligibility to stand, others have rallied behind her, citing her commitment to the region. As the mayoral election approaches, Jenkyns will face stiff competition from other candidates, including Independent mayoral candidate Marianne Overton.
In a statement, Left Foot Forward highlighted the concerns surrounding Jenkyns’ eligibility, stating that the challenge was brought forward due to her Yorkshire residence. The publication reported that Jenkyns had been added to the electoral roll at an address in Bassingham, near Lincoln, earlier this month, and that she had stated she would move to Lincolnshire full-time if she wins the mayoral election.
As the election draws near, voters in Lincolnshire will be keeping a close eye on the candidates vying for the top spot. With Jenkyns’ eligibility challenge now dismissed, she will look to build momentum in the coming weeks. Left Foot Forward will continue to provide updates on the mayoral election in Lincolnshire as the campaign unfolds.
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