Friday 8 July

First thing on Monday Deputy Leader, Councillor Lisa Evans and I had our early in the week catch-up with Managing Director, Julie Danks, to discuss ongoing issues and the week ahead.

Over coffee I then met with candidates due to be interviewed to take over from Julie Danks when she steps down as the Managing Director. I was joined by the Council's Conservative Group Leader Councillor Tony Riordan.

Later in the afternoon myself and fellow Cabinet members met via Microsoft Teams for a Cabinet pre-agenda briefing on items due to be discussed at next week's full Cabinet meeting, including updates on the Medium Term Financial Plan and our town centres.

On Tuesday and Wednesday I sat on the interview panel for the Managing Director and Director of Corporate Services posts as part of the recruitment process for those positions.

Yesterday I had an update from officers about issues which sit within my portfolio.

This was followed later by an informal meeting of Cabinet Members ahead of full Cabinet on 14 July.

This morning I was joined by Managing Director, Julie Danks, for the first of two regular online catch-ups today with Stockton's two MPs to discuss any issues on their patch. The second will be this afternoon when I will be joined by Deputy Leader, Councillor Lisa Evans.

In between I travelled to Billingham to attend a media opportunity, which I am regularly invited to do in my role as Leader of the Council.

This weekend I'm looking forward to spending time with my family.