Reform UK’s first mayor said tents were ‘good enough’ to be used in France.
Dame Andrea Jenkyns has called for migrants to be ‘put in tents’ (Image: Getty)
Reform UK’s first mayor has called for migrants to be “put in tents” rather than hotels. Dame Andrea Jenkyns, named as Greater Lincolnshire’s first ever mayor, made the comment as she called for “an end to soft touch Britain” in her victory speech following local elections on Thursday.
Securing a resounding victory, she won in every area of the county except one with a total of 104,133 votes. Dame Andrea, who will now represent about 1.1 million people who live in the combined county for the next four years, said tents were “good enough” to be used in France. Speaking at the count at Grimsby Town Hall, the former Tory MP, said there would be “an end to soft-touch Britain”.
Dame Andrea said Reform is now in a place to ‘reshape Britain’ (Image: Getty)
She said: “We will tackle illegal migration. We’ve been working on policies.”
“I say no to putting people in hotels. Tents are good enough for France, they should be good enough for here in Britain.”
The remarks prompted some rival candidates to walk off stage during her speech.
The former MP defected to Nigel Farage’s party after losing her Westminster seat at the last general election. Describing her former party as “tired”, she claimed to be “politically aligned” with Nigel Farage.
During her acceptance speach Dame Andrea said Reform is now in a place to “reshape Britain” – and she also hit back at some of her rivals, accusing the Conservatives of carrying out a smear campaign against her.
Dame Andrea Jenkyns said this would the ‘end to soft-touch Britain’ (Image: Getty)
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“I’ve never experienced such negativity and soul-destroying campaigns against me like this one,” she said.
She added: “We’re going to have a Britain where we put you and your families first.
“Now that Reform is in a place of power we can help reshape Britain.
“I want to ensure that Lincolnshire is the best place to bring up your children, to retire and live. My ultimate goal is that Lincolnshire thrives.”
Rob Waltham, for the Conservative Party, came second with 64,585 votes.
After her victory, Jenkyns told The Telegraph that “God-awful Labour” had inspired her back into politics.
