Friday 20 May

The week began with a useful Microsoft Teams briefing from Beccy Brown, the Council's Director of HR, Legal and Communications.

On Tuesday I was joined by Deputy Leader Councillor Jim Beall for the first of three online catch-ups this week with ward councillors from the Borough. These regular updates are a useful way to share and understand any issues in councillors' patches and the wider Borough.

I then joined a Members briefing session, which was held remotely. There were a few items on the agenda including updates on new appointments in the Council and upcoming events across the Borough.

Wednesday saw two more online catch ups with ward councillors, where I was again joined by the Deputy Leader.

A busier day yesterday began with a meeting with Siobhan McArdle, chair of the Tees Valley Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). The LEP supports the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority by working with the wider business community and other partners to create growth, investment and jobs in the area. I was joined by the Council's Managing Director Julie Danks at the meeting, where we discussed the functions and roles of LEPs in the Government's Devolution and Levelling Up agendas.

I was again joined by Julie Danks for a regular catch up with Leon Jones, who is Managing Director of Tees Active.

At a full meeting of Cabinet later we discussed a number of items including adult social care and the Council's plans to boost economic growth across Stockton Borough in the next few years.

Today I'm taking advantage of a quieter diary to catch-up on some important office work.

This weekend I will be looking forward to spending time with my family.