Mayor of Lincolnshire – Meet the Candidates
Who will win your vote at the polls on 1st May to vote for our first Combined County Authority Mayor?
Rob Waltham MBE, Conservative, Brigg
Tell us about your background and why you’re the right
person to represent Lincolnshire’s first Mayor?
As a proud tenth-generation Lincolnshire resident, I’ve dedicated my career to serving residents and communities. From leading North Lincolnshire Council to developing and agreeing the best devolution deal for Lincolnshire, I’ve worked on regeneration and I understand the county’s strengths and challenges, and the need to commit to delivering real, lasting change.
Why will establishing a regional Mayor benefit the county?
Currently, money is spent by civil servants based in London, they can’t possibly know what it’s like to live here in Lincolnshire. A Mayor will give Lincolnshire a stronger voice nationally, unlocking investment and driving decisions based on local residents’ priorities. With devolution, we can improve the prospects for local residents throughout the county.
What will you do if elected and what are your priorities?
My priorities are clear: boost our economy by creating well-paid jobs, supporting local businesses, and improving transport, infrastructure, and connectivity, whilst investing in skills. We need to create opportunities for young people so that they can live and work in the county of their birth. I will ensure we maximise every opportunity, across Lincolnshire delivering for all residents.
How do your Mayoral values relate to your affiliation with your political party?
I believe in empowering communities, encouraging enterprise, and ensuring value for taxpayers. These principles align with my commitment to strong connected leadership. I want residents to do well, earn a good living and enjoy a good life in a great county.
See www.robwaltham.uk.
Jason Stockwood, Labour, Grimsby
Tell us about your background and why you’re the right
person to represent Lincolnshire’s first Mayor?
I was born and raised in Lincolnshire and this county made me who I am. From working on the docks to leading businesses and chairing Grimsby Town FC, I know what it takes to create jobs, grow businesses and bring investment into our communities. I’m not a career politician, I’m a businessman who gets things done. Lincolnshire deserves a Mayor who understands our challenges and fights for a fair deal.
Why will establishing a regional Mayor benefit the county?
For too long, Lincolnshire has been overlooked, with key decisions made by people who don’t live here. A Mayor gives us a voice, ensuring we get our fair share of funding and investment. It’s a chance to take control of our future. From fixing roads to backing local businesses and breathing pride back into our home so that Lincolnshire works for the people.
What will you do if elected and what are your priorities?
My focus is on jobs, transport and safer communities. I’ll invest in skills and apprenticeships, get our roads running smoothly, push for better buses and rail and stand up for farmers facing rising costs and flooding risks. I’ll also work with police to crack down on rural crime and antisocial behaviour.
How do your Mayoral values relate to your affiliation with your political party?
I believe in fairness, opportunity and ambition. Labour values that mean standing up for working people, backing local businesses and delivering value for money.
Andrea Jenkyns DBE, Reform UK, Bassingham
Tell us about your background and why you’re the right
person to represent Lincolnshire’s first Mayor?
Lincolnshire is my home; I grew up, studied, and worked here. As an MP and councillor, I fought for real change, not Westminster’s neglect. As Mayor, I’ll push for jobs, better transport, and fair funding, while cutting waste and reckless Net Zero policies. I’m ready to deliver: Lincolnshire needs a fighter, not a bureaucrat.
Why will establishing a regional Mayor benefit the county?
A regional Mayor gives Lincolnshire a strong, united voice to demand our fair share of funding and investment. For too long, we’ve been ignored while cities get priority. With a Mayor, we can take control of transport, skills, and infrastructure then start delivering jobs, better roads, and real economic growth. This is our chance to reset Lincolnshire’s future.
What will you do if elected and what are your priorities?
As Mayor, I’ll put Lincolnshire first. My priorities are to get Lincolnshire moving by investing in roads, buses, and rail. To boost jobs and skills, supporting local businesses, setting up an industry-led skills board. I will fight Westminster neglect, demanding fair funding. I’ll scrap woke waste, and cut council bloat. And finally I’ll ditch Net Zero madness, protect jobs, and lower energy bills, backing nuclear and hydrogen technology.
How do your Mayoral values relate to your affiliation with your political party?
Reform UK stands for common sense, putting people before politics, and fighting for Britain and that’s exactly how I’ll lead as Mayor. I’ll challenge the status quo, and stand up for local people. My loyalty is to Lincolnshire, not Westminster.
Marianne Overton MBE, Independent, Welbourn, Lincoln
Tell us about your background and why you’re the right
person to represent Lincolnshire’s first Mayor?
I am deeply rooted in the heart of Greater Lincolnshire, with my feet on the ground, alongside residents. I represent people at all levels, listening to people and getting things done, working with Ministers and leading cross-party teams to achieve better outcomes.
Why will establishing a regional Mayor benefit the county?
The Mayor and their team will be responsible for planning what happens in Greater Lincolnshire on a big scale. That’s why it’s essential that we elect a Lincolnshire Independent Mayor for the whole of Lincolnshire, dedicated to serving residents without being drawn toward one side of the political spectrum.
What will you do if elected and what are your priorities?
A lot of work around Lincolnshire is currently undertaken by our District and County Councils and we have some big successes to show for that. I want to empower them to improve roads, and to ensure everyone has a decent home – one that they can afford – and to help businesses and communities to thrive in a clean, green and safe environment.
How do your Mayoral values relate to your affiliation with your political party?
With 14 years of experience, growing our team of Independent and smaller party councillors from 6% to almost 20%, my team now leads 64 councils and we are involved in the leadership of a quarter of all councils. The success of Independent leadership and control is now well established, with a proven track record of driving positive change. That ensures our leadership is rooted in experience, independence and results, not in party politics.
See www.lincolnshireindependents.org.uk.
View our feature in full at https://www.pridemagazines.co.uk/lincolnshire/view-magazines?magazine=May-2025