Lincolnshire has been treated as an afterthought regarding transport investment for too long. Conservative and Labour governments have promised improvements, yet here we are, decades later, still fighting for basic connectivity that other regions take for granted.
The latest example? The long-overdue return of a direct rail link between Cleethorpes and London. Businesses, community leaders, and local representatives—including myself—have backed this campaign because it's a no-brainer for our economy, tourism industry, and future. The numbers speak for themselves: a direct Cleethorpes-London service could bring over £30 million a year to North and North East Lincolnshire alone. The cost? It costs just £1 million a year to run. And yet, instead of action, we get excuses.
A Legacy of Neglect
Let's be blunt: both Labour and the Conservatives have ignored Lincolnshire's transport needs for far too long. In Westminster, they talk endlessly about "levelling up" the North, but when it comes to rail, we all get delay and decline.
The last time Cleethorpes had a direct London service was 1992. Since then, we've watched as cities and towns across the country receive significant rail investment—while our connectivity has gone backwards. Hull has a direct London train. Lincoln has one. Why not Cleethorpes? Why not Grimsby? Why not Scunthorpe?
Look at Market Rasen. We're now being told that much-needed upgrades to this station—a key stop on the proposed Cleethorpes service—will delay the project yet again. The improvements should have been delivered years ago as part of a modern, integrated plan for Lincolnshire's transport. Instead, the government drags its feet while businesses and residents lose out.
The Cost of Inaction
This isn't just about a single train route. It's about what it represents: a region being held back by a lack of investment. Poor rail links make it harder to attract businesses, create jobs, and build a thriving economy. They mean longer journeys, higher costs, and fewer opportunities for people across Lincolnshire.
We are a county of industry, agriculture, and state-of-the-art defence. Yet, our transport links belong to another era. Try getting from Skegness to anywhere outside the county without a car. Try taking a train from Boston without having to change multiple times. Even in Lincoln, where investment has come in dribs and drabs, services remain too slow, infrequent, and unreliable.
Meanwhile, major rail projects elsewhere swallow up billions. The HS2 Eastern Leg that would have benefited Lincolnshire was scrapped. Northern Powerhouse Rail is stuck in limbo. Even simple improvements, like station upgrades and additional services, are met with endless excuses.
A Better Plan for Lincolnshire
I fully support the businesses and organisations that have signed this letter demanding the immediate return of the Cleethorpes-London service. But we need to go further. Lincolnshire must stop being an afterthought in national transport planning. That means:
1. I'm bringing back the Cleethorpes-London route now—not in five years, not after more reviews, but as soon as possible.
2. A fair share of rail investment, including more direct services from towns like Boston, Skegness, and Spalding.
3. A fully integrated transport plan for Lincolnshire, connecting our towns and villages with reliable, frequent rail and bus services.
4. Modern station infrastructure, including the long-overdue improvements at Market Rasen.
The time for warm words is over. If Labour and the Tories won't fight for Lincolnshire's transport future, I will. We need an authentic voice standing up for our county—not just in election season, but every day. If elected as Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire, I will prioritise rail investment and ensure our communities get the transport network they deserve.
No more excuses. No more delays. Let's get Lincolnshire moving.
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