1 March 2024

A busy start to the week began with the Tees Valley Leaders' meeting, a good opportunity to catch up on current events and issues in the other member authorities.

I then met with Cleveland Police Superintendent John Wrintmore alongside our Chief Executive Mike Greene and other senior members of the Council. We discussed strategies for the Borough such as clear, hold and build, operations items and any issues raised by our members.

Following this, I had a catch-up to discuss exciting regeneration and inclusive growth plans for Stockton-on-Tees with Mike Greene, Councillor Lisa Evans, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Marc Cole, Interim Director of Regeneration and Inclusive Growth, and Carolyn Nice, Director of Adults, Health and Wellbeing.

In the afternoon, Mike and I met with Siobhan McArdle, Business Board Chair for Tees Valley Combined Authority. I then had an informal catch up with Cabinet members.

On Tuesday morning I met with Nicola Shelley, Chair of the Collaborative Procurement Sub-Committee (CPSC), ahead of a wider meeting with CPSC in a few weeks' time. I then joined a member briefing which included updates from Mike Greene, the Cleveland Fire Brigade and the TVCA.

Mid-week, I met with Richard Kilty to discuss how he can help support the Council in improving the Borough's sports offering for children. I then attended a Health and Wellbeing Board workshop, for which I am chair, where we looked at the Health and Wellbeing Strategy.

Yesterday was a quieter day, allowing me to catch up with important paperwork.

Today, Mike Greene and I are welcoming Wes Streeting, Shadow Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, on his visit to the Borough. I am looking forward to showcasing the great things Stockton-on-Tees has to offer, including our ambitious plans for the new Care and Health Zone at Teesdale Business Park and nearby Tees Marshalling Yards.

This weekend I'll be spending time with my family and relaxing. Middlesbrough performed poorly last weekend, losing to Plymouth at home. The result leaves us mid-table with a game in-hand, but I think any hopes of promotion have just about disappeared. On Saturday we play Stoke, who are in their own battle to get out of the relegation zone and will be fighting for a win. We will need to play much better than last weekend to get the win.