Reform Mayor Andrea Jenkyns Courts US Oil Executive to Push Fracking in Lincolnshire
Exclusive documents obtained by the Guardian reveal that Dame Andrea Jenkyns, the Reform party mayor of Greater Lincolnshire, has actively courted the head of an American oil and gas dynasty in an effort to bring fracking to the county. This move comes despite a 2019 effective ban on fracking in England due to earthquake concerns.
Gas Discovery Sparks Outreach
In June last year, Jenkyns reached out personally to Egdon Resources, a British subsidiary of the US fracker Heyco Energy, after the company announced a major gas discovery in Lincolnshire's Gainsborough Trough. According to records released under a freedom of information request, Jenkyns sent a message to the company's general inbox, stating she was "very supportive of fracking" and asking how she "could help with your recent gas find in my county".
Mark Abbott, CEO of Egdon Resources, responded within 11 minutes, offering to meet to discuss the potential for gas development in the region. Since that initial contact, Jenkyns has met with fracking companies at least four times, demonstrating her keen interest in advancing the practice in Lincolnshire.
Confidential Presentations and Rebuttals
The documents show that Heyco Energy provided Jenkyns with a confidential presentation that downplayed concerns about toxic chemicals in fracking fluid. It also included a tailored list of rebuttals to criticisms of fracking, highlighting its benefits over renewable energy sources specifically for the Gainsborough Trough project.
In an email following their meeting, Abbott outlined discussions on "the potential of shale gas in the Gainsborough Trough" and "how to build support for its development". He proposed next steps, including exploring a visit to a US shale operation and arranging a meeting with Egdon owner George Yates and his daughter Lauren during their next UK visit.
Opposition to Renewable Energy
Jenkyns, a staunch critic of net zero policies she has labeled a "con", has opposed local renewable energy schemes. For instance, the day after her first meeting with Egdon, she and Reform leader Sean Matthews opposed a community solar project in a closed meeting, citing unsubstantiated safety concerns about batteries. This resulted in a revised funding application that reduced the project's capacity and savings.
Subsequently, Jenkyns and Matthews launched the anti-renewables campaign Lincolnshire Opposes Renewable Eyesores (Lore), echoing Egdon's claims about fracking benefits. Jenkyns pledged to equip residents with skills to "drill baby drill" under a future Reform government.
Controversial Alliances and Climate Skepticism
George Yates, a Trump donor and member of a New Mexico oil dynasty, has described net zero as pseudo-scientific and falsely blamed UK energy prices on climate policies. He maintains links with the climate sceptic Global Warming Policy Foundation, having hosted its directors for lectures criticising Europe's net zero agenda.
Polling indicates that fracking remains highly controversial in the UK, with 51% opposed. Even Reform-led councils in Lancashire and North Yorkshire have opposed similar projects. Richard Davies, Conservative group leader at Lincolnshire county council, called fracking "extremely controversial" and questioned the risks and environmental impacts.
Government Stance and Future Implications
A spokesperson for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero reiterated the government's intention to ban fracking permanently and promote clean energy. Despite this, Jenkyns continues to advocate for fracking, visiting sites like Star Energy's facilities in Lincolnshire and declaring "it's time to ditch net zero".
When asked for comment, Yates stated he engages with policymakers of all persuasions to advocate for indigenous resources. Jenkyns and Greater Lincolnshire council representatives did not respond to requests for comment.
