Lincolnshire Mayor Reaches Out to US Fracker About Gas Prospects

Lincolnshire's Reform party mayor, Dame Andrea Jenkyns, has courted the head of an American oil and gas dynasty in the hope of bringing fracking to the county, the Guardian can reveal.

Egdon Resources, a British subsidiary of the US fracker Heyco Energy, announced a major gas discovery in Lincolnshire's Gainsborough Trough last year. Jenkyns, who became the first mayor of Greater Lincolnshire in May, reached out personally to the company asking how she "could help with your recent gas find in my county", according to records released by the mayoral authority in response to a freedom of information request.

The revelation underscores the pro-business agenda of Jenkyns, a former Conservative MP who defected to the newly formed Reform UK party last year. While some local residents have expressed concerns about the environmental impact of fracking, Jenkyns appears keen to position Lincolnshire as a hub for the controversial extraction technique.

In her correspondence with Heyco Energy, Jenkyns stressed her desire to "explore how we can work together to maximize the potential of this gas discovery." The mayor highlighted the "excellent infrastructure" in Lincolnshire and pledged to help navigate the regulatory environment, suggesting she could leverage her political influence to facilitate the company's operations.

Critics have accused Jenkyns of prioritizing corporate interests over environmental protections and the concerns of local communities. Fracking, which involves injecting high-pressure liquids into the ground to extract oil and gas, has faced widespread opposition in the UK due to its potential to cause earthquakes, contaminate groundwater, and contribute to climate change.

Jenkyns' outreach to the US oil and gas executive comes as the UK government grapples with an energy crisis exacerbated by the Russia-Ukraine war and rising global energy prices. While some have argued that domestic fossil fuel production could help alleviate the crisis, others have called for a greater focus on renewable energy sources and energy efficiency measures.

The mayor's actions have drawn scrutiny from environmental groups and local residents who fear the impact of fracking on the Lincolnshire countryside. As the debate over the county's energy future continues, Jenkyns' outreach to the US oil and gas industry is likely to further inflame tensions and raise questions about her priorities as a local leader.