27 March 2026
Hello everyone, it has been another busy week but somehow, I've survived it!
On Monday I travelled to Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium to attend the Amal Project Teesside's 'Resilient Women' event that combined the Muslim festival of Eid and International Women's Day.
I then had three meetings with different Councillors to catch up on different issues. I also had my regular meeting with Chief Executive, Mike Greene.
Monday evening, I met with members of the Labour Group ahead of next week's Annual Council meeting.
On Tuesday, I met with Majella McCarthy, Director of Children's Services, Mike Greene and Cllr Clare Besford for our regular catch up on Children's Services. It's a really busy time for staff in the directorate, and I appreciate the hard work that they are doing.
In the evening, I attended an all members briefing session where Mike Greene gave us a general update. We were also briefed on the index of multiple deprivation and the family help point.
On Wednesday I travelled to Teesside Airport to join an interview panel for a new director at the Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA). I then headed into Dunedin House to meet with staff from Democratic Services.
After this, I attended a Meningitis B briefing with colleagues from across the country for an update on the current outbreak.
It was a hectic day and I then met with one of my Cabinet Members for our regular one to one meeting.
I also chaired the Health and Wellbeing Board. In the evening, I visited Stockton Central Library for Stockton Children's Book of the Year, which was a lovely event to end a long but productive day.
The council welcomed the newly appointed Lord Lieutenant of County Durham, Mike Butterwick, CBE, on Thursday morning, who will take over duties from Dame Susan Snowdon, DCVO, who is retiring. Sue has been a fabulous advocate and supportive of our Borough and I'm sure Mike will do the same. We took him on a tour of the Borough including the new Waterfront Park and Preston Hall.
Later in the day, I met with officers from the TVCA for a briefing on my portfolio which is Education, Employment and Skills.
Thursday evening, I met with friends and had a lovely evening celebrating a friend's 60th birthday.
Today I am travelling to Acklam Hall Hotel in Middlesbrough to attend a 'Sip, Support and Empower' event with Cllr Pauline Beall. The event raises funds for The Junction Foundation where I am a trustee.
After another week filled with lots of diary appointments, I'm looking forward to Easter and a quieter time.
On Sunday I will be putting my dancing shoes on to attend a Northern Soul event.
Thank you for all your hard work and I hope you have a lovely weekend.
