Greater Lincolnshire mayoral election: Dame Andrea Jenkyns

Dame Andrea Jenkyns is standing for Reform UK in the mayoral election on 1 May

On 1 May voters throughout Lincolnshire will decide the first elected mayor of the new Greater Lincolnshire authority. You can find more information about the election and the candidates here.

Dame Andrea Jenkyns, 50, is a former Conservative MP

Dame Andrea says she grew up in East Halton and Healing, went to school in Cleethorpes, and has lived in Boston and North Somercotes.

"Lincolnshire has been my home for most of my life," she says. "This is my home, these are my people. I've seen first-hand how we've been let down and I'm standing up to change that."

She wants to fix Lincolnshire's transport

She said people "shouldn't need a car to get to work or college."

"I'll create Transport for Greater Lincolnshire to sort out our buses, roads and rail. That means investment in key routes like the A15, A52 and A17, and proper integration between buses, trains and cars."

Dame Andrea wants to prioritise housing for locals

She said families are priced out and forced out which is "not right."

"I'll push for Homes4Heroes and more affordable housing, but I'll make sure local people are first in line, not pushed aside by Whitehall targets."

She wants to champion jobs for local people

Dame Andrea wants to train local people "so Lincolnshire's talent stays here."

"I'll roll out a Skills for Lincolnshire plan, expand apprenticeships, boost adult education, and get colleges working directly with local employers to deliver real jobs."

She wants to defend the countryside

She wants to "protect farmland not cover it in solar panels and pylons."

"I'll fight planning decisions that damage our countryside. That means saying no to solar farms on prime agricultural land, opposing wasteful pylons, and investing in proper flood defences."

Dame Andrea wants to drive growth in Lincolnshire

She said "other regions have had billions. It's our turn."

She said she will deliver a Business Start-Up and Growth Fund, back an AI and Defence Innovation Cluster, and push for serious inward investment, adding: "Lincolnshire needs high-tech jobs, better infrastructure, and someone willing to bang the drum for our economy at the top level."