I am honoured to announce my candidacy for Mayor of North Tyneside as the Green Party candidate.

Full statement

As someone who is deeply committed to social justice, equality, and environmental sustainability, I am passionate about building a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

My priorities for the upcoming election reflect the needs of our community and the challenges we face: 1. Young People, Community Spaces & Antisocial Behaviour: I will work to expand and improve community spaces for young people, ensuring they have safe places to gather, grow, and connect. Tackling antisocial behaviour through positive community engagement will be key to fostering a safer, more inclusive environment for everyone.

2. Green & Blue Spaces, Natural Beautification: North Tyneside deserves more green and blue spaces that enhance our environment, promote biodiversity, and improve quality of life. I will focus on preserving and expanding our natural spaces, ensuring everyone has access to the beauty and tranquillity of nature.

3. Democracy and Local Governance: I believe in giving the people of North Tyneside a greater say in local governance. I will campaign for a referendum to allow the public to decide on the future of the mayoral role. If successful, I propose scrapping the mayor’s position and transitioning to a more democratic committee system, giving elected councillors more influence in decision-making and ensuring our governance reflects the true will of the people.

In addition to these priorities, I am committed to leading by example, I pledge to voluntarily redirect 20% of the current annual mayoral salary into local services and projects that will directly benefit the community. I will not take freebies nor claim any extra expenses. I will continue to use public transport and wheelchair-accessible taxis when necessary, as I do now. This is not just a promise - it’s about fair leadership and demonstrating responsibility. By reducing my own salary and forgoing unnecessary perks, I’ll ensure that the resources available to North Tyneside are better spent on projects that have a direct, positive impact. This is about prioritising the needs of the people over personal luxury and setting an example for responsible governance.

I am committed to listening to the diverse voices of our community as I develop my manifesto. Your feedback - whether from individuals, businesses, or local organisations - is vital in shaping the direction of my campaign. This is a movement for positive change, and I am ready to lead with integrity, transparency, and a clear focus on the needs of our people.

North Tyneside deserves a progressive future, one that prioritises sustainability, equity, and community well-being. I am excited to be part of that change, and I hope you will join me on this journey.