My Priorities

Our Transport and Infrastructure has suffered from under investment and lack of joined up
thinking. I propose A fully integrated North East public transport network that works for the people. with A single purchase ticket or pass for journeys to cover the region.

A partially Publicly owned transport network that will prioritize affordability and reliability, ensuring that fares remain reasonable for passengers. with free transport for school age children during term time and continued reduced rate for Students.

This approach makes public transportation accessible to a wider range of people, including those with lower incomes and encourage those who would normally choose to use personal vehicles to use the network.

I will ensure that essential services are available to all, especially in less profitable areas. A partially public-private transport network will harness the strengths of both sectors: public ownership for essential services and private innovation for efficiency and variety.

Partial Public ownership of our new North East Network enables reinvestment of profits into improving services. Instead of shareholders’ pockets, these funds will go towards enhancing infrastructure, expanding networks, we will make decisions based on community needs and adopting cleaner technologies, we will not put all of our eggs in one basket with electric buses, however we will utilize this technology on certain routes where financially viable.

I will prioritise connecting smaller villages & towns based on community needs with reliable public owned buses to ensure that services reach underserved areas, connecting people to jobs, education, and healthcare to all

As contracts, partnerships and franchise agreements with private operators come to an end we will ensure any new agreements define minimum service levels, quality standards, and financial arrangements that benefit the region, Failure will not be tolerated or rewarded.

Politicians and business leaders have been talking about re-opening the Leamside Line for years, Its time to stop talking and start delivering, this is one of the most important pieces of infrastructure for the economic future of the North East.

Reopening of the leamside Line would provide critical connections to both passenger and freight, connecting towns and cities across the North East, helping to drive the economy and growth of the region using existing infrastructure.

I will scrap the Low emission scheme in Newcastle and Gateshead, this is a stealth tax that punishes businesses, furthermore there will be no low emission schemes anywhere in the North East on my watch, pollution does not stop because you pay a few quid, We do our bit for the environment by ensuring our public transport network is reliable, affordable and fit for purpose, reducing the dependence on motor vehicles.

I will address the pressing housing shortage in the North East by building more affordable local authority housing.

The UK population has grown by over 1.3 million in just 2 years. Yet only 425,000 homes have been built.
The Office of National Statistics forecast the population to grow by nearly 7 million between 2021 and
2036, putting huge pressure on housing.

The North East needs Long-Term Vision and Collaboration between local authorities, developers, and communities, we must work together to build more affordable housing, this is crucial to ensure that individuals and families have access to safe and healthy homes at a reasonable cost.

As a Region, we have a responsibility to care for our own, Priority will always be given to those with a connection to the Area when it comes to access to social housing, with council housing waiting lists at an all time high it is time we ensured that everyone who needs a home gets one.

I will Regenerate and Renew run down areas with  sustainable housing and help promote eco-friendly practices such as using renewable energy sources, and efficient insulation to help drive down energy bills.

I will ensure social equity by providing affordable housing options to low-income communities, positively impacting quality of life and overall well-being

We must rebuild & regenerate our local economy across the region, not just the Town centres. but the unused shops littering our smaller high streets, regeneration does not mean building new sites especially when we have buildings and office space sitting empty, these can be utilised before anymore new sites are built, we have shopping areas across our towns and cities which are boarded up that many small businesses and even landlords can simply not afford to run or manage, I would therefore launch A Mayoral business support scheme available to small and start up business, We will make the North East the place to start up and grow small businesses, creating jobs, opportunities and regeneration across the region.

SME Enterprise Zones in run down areas with a 1 year period of zero business rates on council owned property for new or existing businesses that are creating jobs and offering apprenterships, allowing businesses to grow. and encouraging business to chose the North East to build, Grow and expand.

Further business rate relief to existing businesses that benefit the local community and economy.

I will work with councils to develop Local community shops which will provide pop ups for local businesses & artists to be controlled by the people in the local community which offers a range of benefits ensuring profits stay in the local area.

Our rivers and ports which were once the envy of the world can once again bring careers and apprenterships to our Region, I would therefore work with the government to Compulsory purchase the Pallion ship yard in Sunderland,and work with a new operator to reinstate this strategic national asset.

The Pallion Shipyard in Sunderland is the country's largest fully undercover shipyard. Built in 1976, closed in 1989 and mothballed to this day, it is an asset that can provide skilled jobs to the wider region, with the shortage of capacity in the UK and the wider world and to help realise the UK Government's National Shipbuilding Strategy,

The demand and market for maintenance and repair of  offshore vessels with capacity for 'passing trade' such as standard commercial ships, passenger ships, superyachts, fisheries vessels,  general refit / conversion work. we need to bring this vital industry home, there is interest in the site for maritime purposes but the current owners and local council have repeatedly turned them away, we have this site of strategic importance on our doorstep and we must utilize this.

Greener does not mean destroying jobs and harming our economy, we all care about the environment, and we all want cleaner air, cleaner streets and a cleaner world for our children and future generations, however we must do this in a strategic and affordable way that protects jobs in our region, It is possible to strike a balance between environmental responsibility and economic prosperity.

Other parties are obsessed with the destructive net zero agenda which is destroying jobs and industry across the world, It is making us all poorer and pushing up energy costs,

Cleaning up our parks, rivers and streams to maintaining healthy ecosystem and ensuring these vital areas are safe for both humans and wildlife.

Organize regular community clean up: litter picks with funding for volunteer groups & local clubs to remove debris that find their way into rivers. small actions can make a big difference to our communities

I will work with local authorities and educational trusts to develop walking & cycling to school schemes which will benefit our children`s health and the local environment, I will introduce parking permit schemes in residential areas close to schools which will encourage parents to leave the car at home, this also addresses increased anti social behaviour at school run time which is an ever increasing issue.

Every public park in our region will have dedicated park wardens who will ensure public safety and that our parks are kept clean and tidy for future generations,

Too many children and young people are being badly let down. with government cuts and poor financial mismanagement by local authorities, Youth provisions have been decimated in the last 20 years, With cuts from central government and wasteful council spending it is time to put this right.

I will develop a mayoral fund for Youth & community projects to provide a platform for young people to learn new skills, activities, explore interests, and develop their talents.

Working with existing football, rugby, athletics and other sports clubs to develop playing Fields into a multi-sport / use sites for all, bringing together not just sport but other groups such as Scouts, cubs, guides, brownie’s and cadets, these sites can also be used for other community interest and support groups.

I will asset transfer playing fields and other sites identified for potential use to charitable community trusts to be established by local groups ensuring everyone who wants to has the chance to take part. these community trusts will be required to provide Free activities during school holidays and places to those who could not usually afford to take part.

We can develop a sense of belonging, responsibility and pride in our local community, bringing us all together.

Opportunities for personal development, social interaction, and skill-building, creating positive outlets and alternatives for youth in order to steer them away from engaging in ASB. by focusing on community development and addressing underlying causes, these provisions can contribute to reducing problems in our communities and promoting a safer enviroment for everyone.