12 December 2025

My week started with an update meeting with the District Commander of Cleveland Police, Alan O'Donoghue, for our regular catch up. We work closely with the police as one of our key partners and we have a great relationship.

Immediately after I met with Chris Cooke, the elected Mayor and my counterpart in Middlesbrough Council. Our local authorities have lots of differences but also lots of similarities in the difficulties we're facing, and it's always useful to speak to neighbouring authorities and share learning.

In the afternoon I met with Councillor Richard Eglington, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing, to catch up on his portfolio.

On Tuesday I met with Councillor Norma Stephenson, Cabinet Member for Access, Communities and Community Safety, for another catch up. I like to keep up with everything that's happening across the Council so that I can better understand the bigger picture.

In the evening I attended the Stockton Riverside College Christmas pantomime, Beauty and the Beast.

On Thursday morning I was volunteering at the Community Gift wrapping session in Thornaby Pavillion. The Community Gift collects donated items over the Christmas period and gives them to families in the Borough.

In the afternoon I met with Michael Houghton, Interim Managing Director of NTH Solutions.

In the evening it was Cabinet. A packed agenda included our medium-term financial plan (MTFP), our Care Quality Commission (CQC) "Good" rating for Adults Services, and an annual report from the Stockton Learning and Skills Service.

Today I'm attending the Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) Cabinet meeting. We will be discussing their Transportation Plan, adult skills provision, and Investment Zone plans as part of the agenda.

Immediately after we had a workshop on their Transport Capital Programme.

I finished the week by attending The Junction's Christmas get together. I am a Trustee at The Junction provide a range of support to children, young people and families in the area, and are incredibly busy over the festive period. It's good for them to be able to take a breath and celebrate what they are achieving.