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Why new Reform mayor’s election pledge has already fallen flat

David Maddox Political Editor
Dame Andrea Jenkyns was announced as Greater Lincolnshire mayor on Friday
Dame Andrea Jenkyns was announced as Greater Lincolnshire mayor on Friday (PA Wire)
  • Dame Andrea Jenkyns, the new Reform mayor of Lincolnshire, pledged to eliminate diversity officers as part of a cost-cutting initiative.
  • However, it has been revealed that Lincolnshire County Council does not employ any diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) officers.
  • Dame Andrea clarified that North Lincolnshire Council, another council under her authority, does employ such officers, referred to as "outreach officers".
  • She also stated that Lincolnshire County Council has spent money on DEI training, which she aims to reduce.
  • Critics, including the Tories and union officials, have questioned Jenkyns's unfamiliarity with local government and raised concerns about Reform's plans to dismiss DEI and net-zero officers in other councils.
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