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 …
Do you remember what you were doing or where you were on Thursday November 4, 2004? It was an important day in our region’s history — but it could have been an historic one. We were asked to vote on whether we wanted an elected North East Assembly. Scotland and Wales already had a devolved …
Every politician’s nemesis: the ordinary voter. For our elected representatives, there’s no higher stakes moment than a conversation out in the wild. On such interactions are elections won and lost, and careers made or destroyed. There’s a long history of things getting ugly. In 1880, Joseph Cowen Jr, the founder of the Tyne Theatre, owner …
AIDEN KING (Liberal Democrats) What have you liked hearing most from any or all of your rivals? We’ve had a number of hustings since the start of the campaign and, although there are definitely things we all disagree on, I’m pleased that all six candidates agree that this deal is only the first step on …
Passionate climate change campaigner Jamie Driscoll was in his element at the North East mayoral hustings held in Alnwick last night (Wed) to explore candidates’ views on environmental and rural issues. The event was organised by Alnwick Friends of the Earth specifically to discuss green talking points and especially those affecting the North East. And …
Bookmakers don’t often make mistakes. There may be six runners attempting to be first past the post in the race to be North East mayor, but they make it a two-horse race. Labour candidate Kim McGuinness is favourite at 1-2 while independent Jamie Driscoll is a 13-8 shot. That means if you put £1 on …
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