Andrea Jenkyns

Andrea Jenkyns Makes Waves: Is Lincolnshire Ready for Reform?

Ex-Tory MP Andrea Jenkyns switches sides to join Nigel Farage's Reform UK – but what does this mean for her mayoral aspirations?

In a surprising political twist, former Conservative MP Andrea Jenkyns has announced her defection to Reform UK, led by none other than the controversial Nigel Farage. Jenkyns, a prominent figure who previously served as the education minister, has been vocal about her discontent with the Conservative Party, calling it "beyond salvage." Following her defeat in the recent general election, where she lost her seat in Morley and Outwood, Jenkyns is now setting her sights on a new challenge: standing for mayor of Greater Lincolnshire in the upcoming May elections. A move that could shake up the local political landscape, her transition demonstrates her willingness to embrace change in a party she feels has let her down.

Throughout her time in the Tory party, Jenkyns was a known supporter of Boris Johnson, and her tenure was not without controversy. In one notable incident, she was captured on camera apparently raising her middle finger at protesters during a speech—a moment that drew widespread criticism. But it seems Jenkyns is determined to turn the page and demonstrate her unwavering commitment to her constituents through this new political chapter. She described joining Reform UK as aligning herself with the "party of the brave," positioning it as a bastion for those who might share her sense of betrayal by longstanding party lines.

Interestingly, Jenkyns' leap to Reform comes on the heels of a rather scandalous accusation: earlier this year, she claimed that Reform UK donors had attempted to entice her with a £80,000 “bribe” to abandon the Conservatives. Though that allegation swirled around the political gossip, it appears to have set the tone for her dramatic exit and transition. Nigel Farage has welcomed her with open arms, and her fundraising ability could prove invaluable to the party's future and strategy.

As May approaches, all eyes will be on the election for Greater Lincolnshire Mayor, with Jenkyns’ candidacy poised to ignite passion on both sides of the political divide. Will her experience and former Tory connections bring a wave of support from disgruntled voters? Or will the ghosts of her political past haunt her campaign? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—Lincolnshire is in for an electrifying election!

Did you know that Andrea Jenkyns was born in the West Midlands? Although she is best known for her political career, she originally studied law at university. Furthermore, Reform UK was originally created as a political platform to hold the Conservatives accountable on issues surrounding Brexit, making Jenkyns' arrival a symbolic milestone in their ongoing evolution as a party.