Dispute over eligibility of winner of mayoral election heads to County Court

A person who alleged that Dame Andrea Jenkyns was not eligible to run for mayor of Greater Lincolnshire has lodged an appeal of a decision to dismiss their complaint.

Dame Andrea won the mayoral election earlier this month by a majority of around 40,000 votes, becoming the region's first mayor.

In the lead up to the election, the Reform UK candidate became the subject of a complaint that alleged her main address was in Yorkshire, which could disqualify her from running in the county.

However, an electoral registration officer concluded that Dame Andrea was entitled to stay on the roll after finding no evidence that she was ineligible to register under her Lincolnshire address.

A spokesperson for North Kesteven District Council has since confirmed that it received an appeal of the officer's decision.

The council said the appeal will be passed to the County Court “in line with the statutory process”.

Commenting on the appeal on social media, Dame Andrea said: "The political shenanigans continue. The opposition has again lodged a complaint and is trying to appeal the decision that I was cleared of. Their ultimate aim is to rerun the election. This is sour grapes and undemocratic."

Adam Carey