3 July 2026

Hello everyone, I hope you are well.

On Monday, I attended the opening of the upgraded Eaglescliffe Station. The station improvements include a new car park, step-free access with three lifts, an improved lounge, waiting room and toilets, a new bridge, and more. It is a brilliant investment that has made the station safer, more convenient and more accessible for all.

I then met with Mike Greene, Chief Executive, Erik Scollay, Chief Executive at Middlesbrough Council, and Chris Cooke, Elected Mayor of Middlesbrough, to discuss the Tees Marshalling Yards.

After this I chaired the Cabinet pre-agenda meeting.

On Tuesday, I had my regular catch up with Mike and Councillor Paul Rowling, Deputy Leader of the Council.

I then attended a member briefing session.

Midweek I attended the opening of the new JTL Teesside Training Centre. The purpose-built training centre is dedicated to delivering electrical installation and plumbing apprenticeships and brings some good opportunities to the Borough. It was great to speak to the apprentices, many from Stockton-on-Tees, before cutting the wire to officially open the centre. I attended on behalf of Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) in my role as Cabinet Member for Employment, Education and Skills.

On Thursday morning I joined the corporate induction for new Council staff. This is one of the highlights in my diary. I love to meet new starters and welcome them to the Council.

Today I am meeting other Councillors to discuss the agenda items ahead of the next Cabinet meeting.

I am then attending a briefing and a catch up with Ann Workman OBE, Chair of Catalyst, Lucy Owens, Chief Executive at Catalyst, and Mike.

This weekend I am looking forward to having a day out in York with my friends ahead of attending a cricket event on Sunday with Hartlepool and Stockton Health colleagues.

I am away next week at the Local Government Association conference in Bournemouth with Mike Greene.

I hope you all have a good weekend whatever your plans.