13 March 2026
This week has been really busy with lots of meetings and diary appointments. To start the week, I met with members from the Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) and other Leaders from the Tees Valley for an informal Cabinet and a workshop on the budget. I then had a catch up with one of my Cabinet members before a Labour Group Executive meeting. Later in the day, I had a meeting online with the MP for Stockton North Chris McDonald.
On Tuesday I joined TVCA colleagues once again, this time to shortlist candidates for the Chief Legal and Monitoring Officer position. In the afternoon, I travelled to the Georgian Theatre with Cllr Cooke to meet with Paul Burns, Chief Executive of the Tees Music Alliance. I then had another catch up with a Cabinet member to check in and find out what was happening in their portfolio.
After this, I met with Superintendent Alan O'Donoghue, District Commander of Cleveland Police, for an update. We also discussed any issues that Councillors have put forward in their Wards. In the evening, I attended the Scrutiny Liaison Forum.
Wednesday began with a pre-agenda meeting of the Council's Health and Wellbeing Board. This pre-agenda meeting makes sure that I am briefed on all the agenda points before the full meeting which is scheduled later this month.
I then met with Mike Greene, Chief Executive, and Cllr Paul Rowling, Deputy Leader for our regular catch-up.
On Thursday I attended a webinar on Raising Ambition for Care Leavers online before having a catch up with another Cabinet Member.
Later in the evening, I chaired Cabinet. There were quite a few items to discuss on the agenda, including our Adult Social Care Strategy for 2026 to 2030, the Stockton-on-Tees Best Start in Life Plan 2026 to 2031 and the live streaming and recording of Council meetings. There were also updates on the Levelling Up Fund programme in Yarm and accelerating affordable housing delivery.
Today, I started the day with a meeting about the Tees Valley Combined Authority Best Value Notice with the Independent Advisory Board and TVCA Cabinet members. This afternoon I am travelling to Preston Park Museum for a meeting with Chris McDonald MP, Matt Storey, Police and Crime Commissioner, Cabinet members, and Mike Greene for a catch-up meeting.
This weekend it's Mother's Day. I hope those, like me that have lost their Mam, will remember them fondly and try to celebrate their lives. If you are lucky to still have your Mam, cherish the time you have. For all of you that are Mothers, have a lovely weekend. I will be spending tomorrow with my daughter.
Whatever you are doing, have a great weekend.
