Residents of Boston, Lincolnshire, who suffered severe flooding in January last year, have expressed frustration with their local MP, Richard Tice of Reform UK, over his climate-sceptic views and perceived lack of engagement. Audrey Crook, 58, a full-time carer, described finding a foot of black floodwater containing sewage in her home. Her property was one of more than 30 flooded when heavy rain overwhelmed defences.
Boston and Skegness constituency has the highest proportion of buildings at flood risk in England, according to the Environment Agency. Experts warn that climate breakdown is increasing winter rainfall, yet Tice has described net-zero efforts as “net stupid” and called human-made climate change “garbage”. Crook said: “If they think climate change has got nothing to do with it, I think they’re seriously wrong.”
More than a year after the flood, residents say Tice has not visited. Crook added: “We’re still waiting for Richard Tice to turn up … A lot of people were angry about that.” Andy Robinson, another resident, criticised Tice for making public statements about “net stupid zero” while neglecting constituents’ flood-related needs.
Polling by the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit found that over half of Reform voters support climate action, highlighting a tension between the party’s leadership and its base. One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said some homes have become “unmortgageable” due to flood risk, with insurance costs rising above £900. A study published on Wednesday warned that over 400,000 homeowners could become “mortgage prisoners” in flood-prone properties.
