Today I launched my Mayoral Enhanced Water Partnership to work towards better water management in Greater Lincolnshire. It’s time to change the national mindset. Water should not be a barrier for communities but instead a catalyst for growth. This isn’t just about tackling issues like flooding and water scarcity but understanding our land, our coastline, our industries, and turning coordination into action and investment.

Today I chaired a vital Mayoral Business Roundtable at the ABP Port Office in Grimsby to address the impact of redundancies at the Lindsey Oil Refinery. My priority is clear: we must keep our incredible local talent and world-class industrial skills right here in Greater Lincolnshire and the Humber. ​I was joined by the Humber Energy Board and major employers including Associated British Ports, Ørsted, and Phillips 66—to identify immediate vacancies and match our workforce wi

It was fantastic to meet local farmers, businesses and stakeholders, hear directly about the issues that matter to them, and see the innovation helping to drive Lincolnshire’s vital farming industry forward at the Lincolnshire Farming Conference. Agriculture is at the heart of our county’s economy and communities, and events like this are essential in supporting collaboration, sharing knowledge and ensuring a strong future for our rural industries. As Mayor, I will always sta

The Future of Lincolnshire: Vocational Excellence ​It's National Apprenticeship Week, I’m at Siemens Energy in Lincoln, and the energy from these young apprentices is absolutely incredible! ​My vision for Greater Lincolnshire is clear: we must create a parity of esteem between university degrees and vocational, technical, and trade-based skills. I want to show our young people that you don't always have to go to university to land a high-tech, high-wage career. ​As Mayor, I a

There is nothing quite like our local pubs. They are the heart of our communities, places where friendships are made, milestones are celebrated and local life comes together. When a pub closes, it is not just a business that is lost, it is a vital part of the community. Today I visited Stags Head Pub  to speak with the landlord and Star Pubs  about the real pressures they are facing. Rising National Insurance contributions, higher beer duty and an outdated business rates syst

Big news for Greater Lincolnshire! ​Today I’m launching our £1.5 million Growth Fund to supercharge our local economy. ​We are backing businesses and councils to turn big ideas into real-world results from better transport to high-tech skills training. ​Delivery, not just commentary. ​​Applications are OPEN NOW: https://share.google/ayHafgOtu8Dv9xHUO

A productive afternoon at the US Embassy meeting Agricultural Counselor Anita Katial to strengthen trade links between the US and Greater Lincolnshire. Together with Dyson Farming and Riseholm University, we have plans to take our county's agricultural expertise to the world stage to unlock new growth and innovation.

​I am delighted to share that RAF Scampton is officially up for sale. This is a significant milestone for our region, ensuring the site will no longer be used to house migrants and can instead return to its rightful place as an engine for local growth. ​This site offers a truly unique opportunity for the right partner: ​Strategic Assets: The site features its own dedicated airspace and a runway. ​Economic Potential: We are focused on transforming this historic location into a

Following on from our first Transport for Greater Lincolnshire stakeholder session and Rural Transport Group launch last month; Today, ​Our Chief Executive, Lee, our Transport Lead, Lana, and I, spent the day diving deep into your feedback to turn big ideas into actionable proposals. These plans are now heading toward the feasibility study stage as we build a more connected county. ​What we’re focusing on: ​Buses: Identifying new routes and reliability improvements. ​Roads: A

​I have been meeting with our Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Marc Jones, to ensure we are fully prepared for the strategic transition of policing responsibilities to the Mayor’s office in 2028. It is vital that we have a seamless plan in place well ahead of time so that we are ready to lead from day one. I am looking forward to taking on these new powers and delivering a zero-tolerance approach to crime across our region. My goal is to ensure that no crime is con

Today I attended the Steel Signing between Associated British Ports & British Steel  at the fantastic new Helm @ Immingham. ABP has begun work on the first phase of a major project that will bring new industrial and logistics units to Immingham. This is a big vote of confidence in our region and a real boost for local jobs and businesses. The site will support small and medium sized businesses in energy, engineering, manufacturing and port logistics, helping our local economy

Today I attended the opening of the new home for Greater Lincolnshire’s Creative & Cultural talent which will support creativity, collaboration and growth. The stunning Grade II listed building now will provide a home for freelancers, graduates or established creative businesses promoting Lincolnshire as a testament for our areas ambition.

I’m proud to announce the official launch of Transport for Greater Lincolnshire (TfGL) today. This was a key manifesto commitment, and I’m delighted to be leading the charge as Chair. What we’re doing: We’re creating a common-sense plan to Get Lincolnshire Moving bybringing together buses, trains, councils and businesses to fix a system that’s been fragmented for too long. Our priorities: Better connections between buses & trains Smarter coordination of roadworks Stronger lin

Today, we pause to remember the six million Jewish men, women, and children murdered during the Holocaust, alongside the millions of others persecuted by the Nazi regime. ​ We also reflect on the survivors whose courage and resilience in the face of unimaginable evil serve as a beacon of hope for us all. "Never Again" is not just a phrase; it is a solemn promise that we must uphold every single day.

Recently I visited the Lincoln Medical School  to see the progress on the new Lincolnshire Institute for Dental and Oral Health, and I left feeling genuinely energised about what this new facility can deliver. Meeting the team, and trying the full‑size virtual anatomy tables for myself, I felt proud to see how far we’ve this has come and push it to the next level. This is a first for the East Midlands. A dedicated institute for dental and oral health, built right here in our

Wonderful to visit the truly remarkable Gainsborough Old Hall this week. A real piece of our history, dating back to the late 1460s. This is the very place where King Canute is said to have tried to hold back the sea, reminding us just how deep and fascinating our heritage is here in Lincolnshire. From the stunning Old Hall itself to the impressive medieval kitchen or its connection to the Mayflower trail it’s a real step back in time. Gainsborough Old Hall plays an important

It is time to change the urban vantage point to one of the Rural Community. ​For too long, national transport policy has been written by people in cities, for people in cities. This week in Parliament, I launched the Rural Transport Group (RTG) to demand an end to the "second-class" treatment of our countryside and coasts. ​I am proud to be chairing this group to become the definitive voice for rural communities. I am leading this initiative on behalf of our elected Mayors, w

I am at the Assembly Rooms in Lincoln today to stand up for our residents against the monster. However, despite being your Mayor, I have just been told I cannot speak at this stage because of bureaucratic "Interested Party" rules. ​If the Government thinks they can shut me up, they have another thing coming. I came here today to deliver a clear message to the Planning Inspectorate and the Secretary of State: ​LINCOLNSHIRE IS THE BREADBASKET OF BRITAIN: We produce 30% of this

✨ Merry Christmas ✨ As we celebrate this special season, I’m reminded of the true meaning of Christmas – the birth of Jesus Christ, a message of hope, love, and redemption for all. My Christian faith is at the heart of everything I do, especially for my young son Clifford,  It is my faith that has gotten me through some of the darkest and most difficult times. This time of year is a beautiful opportunity to reflect on the blessings we share and the light that faith brings in

It’s been a busy but incredibly productive two weeks fighting for our community and building the future our county deserves. ✅ Constitutional Duties: I chaired the cross-party appointments panel to select four legally essential roles required for us to operate. These are vital for our progress—stay tuned for more details in my next post! ✅ Energy Security: I had a meeting with Heyco Energy regarding energy provision in Lincolnshire. We need a common-sense approach to energy t