19 December 2025
Hello everyone, I hope you have had a lovely week.
In this week's blog, I am going to briefly mention some meetings that I have attended and then take some time to reflect on my first eight months as Leader of the Council.
On Monday, I met with Chief Executive Mike Greene for his six month appraisal. The six month appraisal gives us the opportunity to measure the progress against the targets we set and reflect on what has been achieved over the last period. It also allows us to look at the next six months and set targets and priorities.
In the afternoon I attended a Corporate Management Team briefing, along with Cabinet colleagues. We had an update from Mike Greene, Chief Executive, on Powering our Future and a presentation from Kate Jackson-Sedgewick on the Index of Multiple Deprivation. I found the presentation fascinating but also really sad, as it highlighted the huge inequalities we have across our Borough.
Midweek I caught up with Jonathan Nertney, Head of Democratic Services for our regular catch up. I have also completed one-to-ones with some of my Cabinet Members. I do these on a regular basis which allows us to discuss progress on their portfolios, any issues they may have, future plans and any support they may need.
On Wednesday morning I was interviewed by BBC Radio Tees on various regeneration projects across the Borough. In the afternoon, I chaired the Council's Health and Wellbeing Board which included an update on the Better Care Fund, the Director of Health's annual report and our Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy. We then held a deep dive session with colleagues from Children's Services on the Best Start in Life.
This week has been quieter for me as I am away for a short break before Christmas. I'm not exactly the Grinch, however, I'm not really a fan of Christmas and haven't even put a tree up this year! I return home and then I will be driving up the coast with my Dad and my little dog Enzo and chilling out over the Christmas and New Year period. I spend my time reading, relaxing and walking Enzo on the beach.
This will be my final blog until January and I have been reflecting on my time as Leader. I was Deputy Leader for three years before becoming Leader and I knew it would be a challenging role. We have faced some difficult decisions, with many more to come but I'm very passionate about our Borough and proud of what we do collectively to improve it. Yes, we have our challenges like most places across the country, but as an organisation alongside many partners, we have a 'can do' attitude. We will always strive to do our best for residents across the Borough.
I always talk about 'golden nuggets' and I have had plenty of those to reflect on. Too many to mention them all, but they include awards ceremonies to celebrate the achievements we have made as a Council, our fabulous staff, our amazing care leavers and individual successes for many colleagues.
I like nothing better than visiting our schools and speaking to young people and celebrating their achievements. It really brightens my day.
Saturday mornings are spent walking along our award-winning market and supporting brilliant independents like Who-Ray, Lu-lu's Gift Company and Claire's Blooms. I loved the lantern parade at Stockton Sparkles and wandering along the lovely log cabins.
I love volunteering, usually on a Friday. It could be The Bread-and-Butter Thing, the Volunteer Driving Scheme, Community Gift Wrapping or The Junction Multibank. I am usually pushed for time, but this gives me a sparkle at the end of what might have been a difficult week. It also allows me to showcase many brilliant organisations that struggle to recruit volunteers and it is something that I will continue to do in the New Year.
The students at Stockton Riverside College never cease to amaze me and 'Beauty and the Beast' has to go down as another highlight.
Stockton International Riverside Festival (SIRF) continues to wow crowds that flock to see international acts, but my favourite is always the community carnival on the Sunday.
Finally, when I look out of my window at the brilliant work that is taking place across the river in the Waterfront Park, I am proud that we continue to be ambitious in difficult times and strive to make Stockton-on-Tees a great place to be.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year. Thank you for all you do and I look forward to seeing you in 2026.
