Dame Andrea Jenkyns, the outspoken former Conservative MP, has announced her defection to Reform UK, declaring her candidacy for Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire under the party’s banner.
In a passionate speech, Jenkyns described her decision as a “rallying cry” for those who believe Britain is at a crossroads, requiring bold leadership to halt its decline.
Dame Andrea, who has long been a “voice for the people” and critic of Westminster’s elite, accused Labour of “compromising British territories, fleecing farmers, and punishing pensioners.” She took aim at the current government’s policies, which she characterised as “anti-business, anti-aspiration, and detrimental to all we hold dear as a country.” Citing soaring crime rates, unchecked migration, and the erosion of British values, Jenkyns declared that Labour’s leadership had plunged the country into “unprecedented peril.”
A Conservative No More
Acknowledging her years of loyalty to the Conservative Party, Jenkyns admitted that leaving was not an easy choice. “I stayed loyal, fighting to the last in the General Election, going down with the proverbial ship,” she said. “But the truth is undeniable: the ship is sinking, and perhaps beyond salvage.”
She described Reform UK as the “Party of the Brave,” offering a vision for a revitalised Britain built on courage, fairness, freedom, and opportunity. Under the leadership of Nigel Farage, Richard Tice, and Zia Yusuf, she hailed Reform UK as a movement gaining momentum, with membership surging and a determination to challenge the “tired two-party system.”
A Vision for Greater Lincolnshire
As a proud daughter of Greater Lincolnshire, Jenkyns emphasised her deep-rooted connection to the region. She recounted her journey from attending local schools and the University of Lincoln to becoming the first Conservative councillor elected in Boston North West.
“I understand this great county and its challenges,” she said. She pledged to fight for the revival of Grimsby’s fishing industry, inspired by her grandfather, a fisherman, and to champion the rights of farmers, who she warned are under threat from Labour policies.
Jenkyns also outlined her vision for Greater Lincolnshire, which includes infrastructure investment, support for the food industries, and future-proofing the local economy by equipping the workforce with the skills needed to thrive.
“As a mum, I want to create a brilliant future for our young people, while ensuring the best support for our elderly population,” she added.
A Call to Action
Dame Andrea described her move to Reform UK as more than a personal turning point. “Today is not just a turning point in my political career—it is a rallying cry for all who care deeply about the future of this great country.”
She urged voters to reject what she described as Labour’s failures and the Conservative Party’s decline, pledging to bring “common sense” to leadership and steer Britain back to greatness.
“Let us rise and stand together for a brighter future—one that embodies our values, respects our rights, and cherishes our freedoms,” she concluded.
Dame Andrea’s defection signals a significant boost for Reform UK, positioning the party as a growing force in British politics as it seeks to break the two-party dominance and deliver a fresh alternative to voters.
Photo credit: Dame Andrea Jenkyns. Copyright Andrea Jenkyns 2024
