“The worst part was the smell,” recalls Audrey Crook. Audrey, a dedicated carer, found a foot of murky, sewage-filled water on her living room floor one night. Her 20-year-old son, who lives with her, can confirm how horrific it was.
In January 2025, Audrey’s home was one of over 30 on Wyberton West Road and Park Road in Boston, Lincolnshire, flooded after heavy rains overwhelmed local flood defenses. “My house doesn’t look anything like it did before,” she laments, still waiting for her insurance money after losing valuable items like antique rugs.
Boston, perched at the edge of the Fens, is facing the UK’s flooding crisis head-on. Experts warn that climate change might lead to certain towns becoming uninhabitable. In fact, the Environment Agency reports that 91% of properties in the Boston and Skegness area are at some risk of flooding—more than any other constituency in England. As winters grow wetter due to climate change, rainfall is becoming more intense.
Local MP Richard Tice, however, often dismisses climate action. Just a month after the floods, he called the idea of human-caused climate change “garbage.” This viewpoint has not resonated well with residents like Audrey. “If they think climate change isn’t a factor, they’re mistaken,” she argues.
Days after the flooding, Tice mentioned he was aware of the damage and claimed to be working hard to assist residents. Yet, over a year later, Audrey and others feel neglected. “We’re still waiting for Richard Tice to show up,” she says, expressing frustration at his absence.
Tice leads a party that has faced criticism for its climate-skeptic stance. Despite his views, a recent survey revealed that more than half of potential voters for Reform UK recognize climate change as a human-driven issue. Alasdair Johnstone from the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit adds that there is growing conflict between the party’s views and voters’ experiences. Many residents directly affected by flooding feel desperate and frustrated.
Insurance issues remain a significant concern. Some homes have become “unmortgageable” due to flooding risks, leaving residents feeling trapped. According to a recent study, over 400,000 homeowners across England could become “mortgage prisoners” because they can’t sell their flood-prone properties. This report highlights that Tice’s constituency could see 8,600 homes at high risk of flooding by 2050, marking it as the “climate mortgage prisoner capital of England.”
In response to criticism, Tice has asserted that even with aggressive carbon reduction targets, flooding would persist for years due to rising sea levels. He emphasizes practical solutions, such as better drainage systems and sea defenses, over long-term climate goals.
Despite promises of funding from the government, residents remain skeptical. Tice’s constituency has been allocated at least £55 million from a national flood defense fund, but many feel little has changed. Malcolm Fairweather, a local resident, said, “There’s been no follow-up” on his concerns post-election.
As the climate challenge grows, so do the fears of locals. Audrey’s son, Cain, highlights the urgency: “You can look to a street that’s been flooded, and there’s your answer. We need to sort this out before it’s irreversible.”
This situation not only emphasizes the pressing issue of climate change but also raises questions about the effectiveness of political leadership in addressing urgent local needs. The story of Boston is one of resilience amid a growing crisis, reminding us that real action is needed now more than ever.
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