Andrea Jenkyns is a British politician whose career has spanned local government, Parliament, ministerial office, and regional leadership. Known for her outspoken political style and strong support for Brexit, she first gained national attention after defeating senior Labour politician Ed Balls in the 2015 UK general election. Since then, she has served as a government minister, switched political parties, and, in 2025, became the first elected Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire. This article explores Andrea Jenkyns’ early life, education, political career, personal background, major achievements, and recent developments while answering the most common questions people search about her.
Who Is Andrea Jenkyns? A Short Biography
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dame Andrea Marie Jenkyns |
| Date of Birth | 16 June 1974 |
| Age | 52 (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Beverley, Humberside, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Profession | Politician |
| Years Active | 2009–present |
| Education | University of Lincoln; Open University |
| Famous For | Former MP for Morley and Outwood; Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire |
| Children | One son |
| Net Worth | Public estimates vary; no verified official figure |
| Source of Income | Politics, public service |
| Official Website | https://www.dameandreajenkyns.com |
Early Life and Education
Andrea Marie Jenkyns was born on 16 June 1974 in Beverley, England, before moving to Lincolnshire during childhood. She attended Matthew Humberstone School in Cleethorpes and left school at the age of 16, beginning her working life in retail. Over the next 18 years, she built a career in management before deciding to return to education as a mature student.
Her academic journey reflects an unconventional route into politics. She earned a diploma through the Open University before completing a degree in International Relations at the University of Lincoln. This combination of practical work experience and higher education shaped much of her political messaging, particularly around opportunity and social mobility.
Outside politics, Jenkyns has also pursued music. A trained soprano, she has performed publicly and released a music album during the 2000s, demonstrating interests beyond public office.
Political Career
Local Government
Andrea Jenkyns entered elected politics through local government. She served as a Lincolnshire County Councillor between 2009 and 2013, representing Boston North West. During this period, she worked on committees covering children’s services, adult social care, community safety, and fire and rescue.
Her experience in local government provided a foundation for her later parliamentary career, giving her first-hand knowledge of regional governance and public services.
Becoming an MP
Jenkyns achieved national prominence during the 2015 UK General Election when she defeated Labour’s Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls in the constituency of Morley and Outwood. The victory was one of the election’s most closely watched results and established her as one of the Conservative Party’s rising figures.
As a Member of Parliament, she became widely recognised for her outspoken opinions, particularly on Brexit. She consistently supported the UK’s departure from the European Union and became associated with the Leave Means Leave campaign.
Throughout her parliamentary career, she regularly contributed to debates on education, healthcare, transport, local investment, and constitutional matters.
Ministerial Roles
Andrea Jenkyns joined the UK Government in several junior ministerial positions.
Her most notable appointment came in 2022 when she served as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Skills, Further and Higher Education. In this role, she was responsible for policies affecting skills development, vocational education, apprenticeships, and higher education.
Earlier, she had also served as an Assistant Government Whip, helping coordinate parliamentary business for the government.
Although her ministerial tenure was relatively brief, it marked an important stage in her political development and expanded her profile within Westminster.
Departure from the Conservative Party
One of the most significant moments in Andrea Jenkyns’ political career came after the 2024 General Election, when she lost her parliamentary seat.
Later that year, she announced she was leaving the Conservative Party to join Reform UK. Her decision reflected long-standing disagreements with the direction of the Conservative Party, particularly regarding immigration, economic policy, and Brexit-related issues.
The move attracted widespread political attention because Jenkyns had been a prominent Conservative MP for nearly a decade before changing political allegiance.
Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire
In 2025, Andrea Jenkyns became the Reform UK candidate for the newly created Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire.
She won the election and became the area’s first directly elected mayor. The position gives responsibility for strategic areas including:
- Transport
- Skills and employment
- Business growth
- Infrastructure
- Regional investment
- Economic development
As mayor, Jenkyns has stated that her priorities include improving transport links, attracting investment, supporting businesses, and strengthening opportunities across Greater Lincolnshire.
Her victory also represented an important milestone for Reform UK, giving the party one of its highest-profile elected executive positions.
Political Views
Andrea Jenkyns has consistently positioned herself on the conservative side of British politics.
Several themes have remained central throughout her career:
- Strong support for Brexit
- Greater national sovereignty
- Lower taxation
- Tougher immigration policies
- Investment in vocational skills
- Support for traditional family values
- Economic development outside London
Supporters view her as a politician willing to challenge party leadership when necessary, while critics argue that her outspoken style often generates controversy.
Regardless of political opinion, she has become one of the UK’s most recognisable contemporary political figures.
Honours and Recognition
In 2023, Andrea Jenkyns was appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE).
The honour recognised her contribution to public and political service during her years in Parliament and government.
Since receiving the title, she has officially been known as Dame Andrea Jenkyns.
Personal Life
Andrea Jenkyns is the mother of one son and has frequently spoken about balancing family life with political responsibilities.
She has also discussed her interest in music, performing as a trained soprano and songwriter before entering frontline politics.
Animal welfare has remained another long-standing interest. Throughout her public career she has supported campaigns relating to animal protection and charitable causes.
Although she maintains an active public profile, she generally keeps much of her private family life away from political debate.
Recent Developments
Since becoming Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire, Andrea Jenkyns has focused on establishing the new combined authority and setting priorities for regional growth.
Her administration has highlighted transport improvements, business investment, skills training, and stronger local decision-making as key objectives. She has also continued to play a visible role within Reform UK, remaining one of the party’s highest-profile elected representatives.
Given her national profile and continued media attention, many political observers expect Andrea Jenkyns to remain an influential figure in British politics over the coming years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Andrea Jenkyns?
Andrea Jenkyns is a British politician who previously served as the Conservative MP for Morley and Outwood between 2015 and 2024. She later joined Reform UK and became the first elected Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire in 2025 after winning the inaugural mayoral election.
How old is Andrea Jenkyns?
Andrea Jenkyns was born on 16 June 1974. As of 2026, she is 52 years old.
What political party does Andrea Jenkyns belong to?
Andrea Jenkyns is a member of Reform UK. She joined the party in late 2024 after leaving the Conservative Party, where she had spent almost a decade as an MP and government minister.
Was Andrea Jenkyns a government minister?
Yes. Andrea Jenkyns served as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Skills, Further and Higher Education in 2022. She also held the position of Assistant Government Whip during Boris Johnson’s government.
What is Andrea Jenkyns famous for?
Andrea Jenkyns is best known for defeating senior Labour politician Ed Balls in the 2015 General Election, supporting Brexit, serving as a government minister, switching from the Conservative Party to Reform UK, and becoming the first Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire.
Conclusion
Andrea Jenkyns has built an unusual political career, progressing from retail management and local government to Parliament, ministerial office, and regional leadership. Her willingness to take outspoken positions has made her both a prominent supporter and a frequent critic within British politics. From her breakthrough victory in 2015 to her election as Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire in 2025, she has remained a highly visible public figure. Whether viewed through the lens of party politics, regional leadership, or Brexit-era debate, Andrea Jenkyns continues to play a notable role in shaping contemporary political discussion in the United Kingdom.
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