22 May 2026

Hello everyone, I hope you've had a great week.

Last Sunday morning you may have seen me on BBC Politics North. I've never been on before, and it was a brave decision to do it because it was live! Usually, it's recorded on a Thursday then is broadcast on a Sunday but because things in politics were changing quickly, they wanted to be up to date.

My daughter Ellie came with me and loved the experience of being in the gallery and seeing what went on behind the scenes.

On Monday I caught up with Mike Greene, Chief Executive, and Tracey Carter, Director of Regeneration and Inclusive Growth, for an update on all the ambitious plans we have going on across the Borough.

I then met with Chris Renehan, Assistant Director for Inclusive Growth and Regeneration, to discuss various housing schemes across the Borough and plans for the Local Plan.

On Monday evening I had a meeting with Labour Group colleagues.

On Tuesday morning, I had an important meeting with Jodie Townsend and Sarah Brackenborough the from Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) to give my views on the governance of the Authority to help make improvements. TVCA is still subject to a Best Value Notice, so it is important to get things right and shape the future with improvements.

In the evening, I had the pleasure of watching the production of Bring It On the musical at Stockton Riverside College. I'm always amazed at how professional these productions are and the students performing are amazing.

Midweek I caught up with Stuart Levin, Democratic Engagement and Civic Services Officer, for our regular catch up on my role as Armed Forces Champion and a briefing ahead of an upcoming visit.

I then attended a meeting for Active Stockton before heading to full Council.

At full Council it was great to see Cllr Bob Cook chairing the meeting. Bob is now the Civic Mayor of the Borough, a role he greatly deserves after serving 38 years as a Councillor, 14 of those being the Leader.

This morning I am meeting with Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, President of the Local Government Association (LGA) alongside Mike Greene, Chief Executive for our regular catch up.

After this I will be meeting my daughter to catch a train and head down to London for the play off final tomorrow afternoon. My son will travel from his home in Manchester and meet us there. I was surprised when Middlesbrough were reinstated in the competition, so I just hope that we can do it but I'm already feeling nervous.

Whatever you are doing have a great bank holiday weekend. The weather looks like it will be great and let's hope for a win. Come on Boro!