Rival parties to speak at Lincolnshire Exhibition

Speakers from rival political parties will come together at the inaugural Lincolnshire Exhibition later this month.

Organised by Greater Lincolnshire's Mayor, Dame Andrea Jenkyns, big name politicians from both Reform UK and the Labour Party will appear at the event.

The day is designed to showcase the best of Lincolnshire, including engineering, energy, food and farming.

The exhibition will take place on 22 October, at the Lincolnshire Showground.

Joining by video link, Labour's Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, will deliver a speech about the power of local mayors in boosting local economies.

Dame Andrea cites Burnham as being one of her inspirations as a "strong, effective mayor".

Burnham made headlines recently by challenging Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's leadership, after he said the Labour government needed a "proper plan for the country", including one to beat Reform UK.

Also appearing will be Zia Yusuf, former chairman of Reform UK.

Mr Yusuf is now head of Reform UK's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) task force, which will inspect Lincolnshire County Council for ways to make cuts.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, it is hoped the event will bring new investment and trade into the county, as a result of displaying its technology and creativity on a national level.

The event is modeled after the Great Exhibition of 1851, which showcased the innovations of Victorian England. October's event will also feature a RAF Typhoon flypast.

Dame Andrea said: "I'm looking forward to welcoming everyone to the very first Great Exhibition for Lincolnshire- an event that began as a pledge in my mayoral manifesto.

"I'm sharing our story with the world to demonstrate the strength, creativity and resilience of Lincolnshire's communities and industries.

"I want this event to spark new ideas, new partnerships, and a renewed pride in what we can achieve together as Lincolnshire."

About 100 exhibitors are expected, including event sponsors Siemens Energy and ABP.

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