Andrea Jenkyns

Andrea Jenkyns' political career has been marked by significant shifts and a consistent presence in public life. She first gained national prominence in 2015 by securing the Conservative Party's nomination and subsequently winning the Morley and Outwood parliamentary seat, famously unseating the then Shadow Chancellor, Ed Balls. This victory positioned her as a rising figure within the Conservative Party.

During her tenure as an MP, Jenkyns was a vocal proponent of Euroscepticism, aligning herself with the 'Leave Means Leave' campaign and often expressing strong critiques of the Conservative leadership's approach to Brexit. Her commitment to these principles was a defining characteristic of her parliamentary work. In 2022, she briefly served as the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Skills, gaining direct experience in ministerial governance under both Boris Johnson and Liz Truss.

This period, though short, provided valuable insight into the machinery of government. Her subsequent dismissal by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak signaled a turning point, leading to her eventual departure from the Conservative Party. This trajectory highlights a politician who, while initially a strong contender within a major party, ultimately sought new avenues for her political ambitions.

The latter part of 2024 saw a significant ideological realignment for Andrea Jenkyns with her decision to leave the Conservative Party and join Reform UK. This move is indicative of a broader trend of politicians seeking platforms that more closely align with their evolving political philosophies, particularly on issues of national sovereignty and economic policy. Her subsequent announcement of her candidacy for the newly established Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire position in 2025 underscores her continued commitment to public service and her ambition to lead at a regional level.

Furthermore, her appointment to Reform UK's decision-making board in August 2025, chosen by Nigel Farage, signifies her elevated status within the party and her role in shaping its future direction. This transition from a long-standing member of a major party to a key figure in a newer, more ideologically distinct movement demonstrates a strategic reorientation of her political career, aiming to influence policy and governance through a different political vehicle.

In 2023, Andrea Jenkyns received a prestigious honor: appointment as a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE). This award, bestowed as part of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson's resignation honours list, represents a significant recognition of her contributions to public life. The DBE is one of the highest honors within the British honours system, equivalent to a knighthood for women, and is typically awarded for exceptional public service, innovation, or significant contributions to a particular field.

For Jenkyns, this accolade acknowledges her dedication and impact during her years in parliamentary politics. It serves as a formal commendation of her efforts and positions her as a figure of considerable public standing. The timing of the award, linked to a former Prime Minister's honours, also places it within a specific political context, highlighting the relationships and acknowledgments within the upper echelons of government.

Andrea Jenkyns' election as Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire in May 2025 places her at the forefront of a developing area of governance in the UK. The creation of directly elected mayors for combined authorities and large regions is a relatively recent phenomenon, aimed at devolving power and fostering more localized decision-making. As Mayor, Jenkyns will be responsible for a broad portfolio of strategic responsibilities, including economic development, transport, housing, and potentially policing and fire services, depending on the specific devolution deal for Greater Lincolnshire.

Her role will involve setting the strategic direction for the region, attracting investment, and ensuring the efficient delivery of public services. This position offers a distinct opportunity to implement her political vision at a tangible, community-focused level, distinct from the national parliamentary arena. Her success will be measured by her ability to foster growth, improve quality of life, and effectively represent the diverse interests of Greater Lincolnshire's population.

Andrea Jenkyns' political journey is punctuated by several key milestones that have shaped her career and public perception. Her initial election in 2015 was a significant personal and party achievement, demonstrating her ability to connect with voters and win a competitive seat. Her strong stance on Brexit and her role in the 'Leave Means Leave' movement positioned her as a prominent voice for a particular segment of the electorate, influencing the national discourse on the UK's relationship with the European Union.

Her brief stint as a junior minister provided practical governmental experience, offering a glimpse into the complexities of policy implementation. The decision to switch parties and join Reform UK, a party with a distinct ideological platform, signals a strategic pivot, likely driven by a desire to pursue policies and political objectives that she felt were not fully represented within the Conservative Party. Her subsequent election as Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire represents a significant step into regional leadership, a role that demands a different set of skills and a focus on local impact.

These various stages highlight a politician who has navigated significant political shifts and continues to seek influential roles in public service.