The Secretary of State for Business dropped a clanger this week, referring to Tory peer Ben Houchen as the Tyne Tees Mayor. It was a slip which drew the inevitable suggestion that perhaps the Conservatives weren’t really paying attention to the North. The Labour Party, on the other hand, confirmed it most definitely was paying …
So, here we are. Devolved! The North East has its first Mayor. The months up to the election saw an accumulation of hope for — and demands on — what our Mayor should do. At the many hustings and debates that took place, I lost count of the number of times candidates were asked ‘what …
In terms of their impact on national politics, local elections are often about which party is better at playing the ‘expectations game’ The trick is to set a target number of seats which you then comfortably overshoot, or alternatively, if you are the incumbent government, a maximum number of seats you expect to lose which …
The long-awaited devolution deal in the North East — proper, real devolution with the money for transport until now held back — is finally here. The final count was delivered before the Bank Holiday weekend, way ahead of the rest of the country. As most people got on with enjoying their long weekends, I waited …
The North East of England is at a pivotal moment with the impending establishment of a new Mayor and Combined Authority. This development comes amidst a landscape of both promise and challenge. While the region boasts burgeoning commercial and residential developments, there exists a stark reality of economic inequality and social deprivation. Despite the skyline …
There’s every likelihood that the North East mayor elected today will be chosen with the backing of less than 15% of the region’s electorate. That’s not to say they’ll be illegitimate. The winner will probably get somewhere around 35-40% of the vote, but if previous local elections are a good guide, turnout will be about …
As CEO of Gosforth Civic Theatre, I have often thought I should start a support group for introverted leaders of arts organisations. I am quite shy; I am more comfortable loitering outside with the smokers or chatting with the technician and front-of-house team when I should be talking to the politicians or the other cultural …
Some people start reading their paper on the front page, others at the back for the sport. But I am one of those who has always turned first to the ‘matches, hatches and despatches’ announcements, with my focus progressing through the decades from the engagements and marriages of my contemporaries to the births of their …
Complex policies need time to demonstrate whether, or to what extent, they have worked. The recent report on the impact of Sure Start is a case in point. Only now, after two decades, is it possible to show the positive impact on health, family functioning and academic achievement. Or take the new tobacco and vapes …
Recently the BBC slashed its budget for local radio. Yet again. When it comes to cuts, regional broadcasters have become an easy target. Britain’s regional media is in a sickly state. Decades of low investment mean many people don’t see its value. A vicious cycle has been created. The more cuts there are the less …
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