This week:

• I attended the November meeting of Constitutional Committee. There was only one item – polling stations for the May elections – so the meeting just took half an hour. I was unable to raise my concerns about the impact of the changes to council meeting and scrutiny committees because it wasn’t on the agenda. I think this is ridiculously restrictive – committee members should be allowed to raise relevant issues – and reflects the lack of interest in genuine democracy at Newcastle City Council.
• I continued to support residents experiencing issues at Bewick Court and The Cedars; objecting to the planning application for Coronation Buildings on the Quayside and the licensing application for Davey’s in the Central Arcade.
• I contacted the Christmas Markets team about concerns raised by Priory Press about the impact of their Christmas Market on their business. While I understand the benefits that a Christmas Market can bring, I think it’s vital that we protect local businesses, who often rely on the boost from Christmas trade to support their business at quieter times of the year.
• I chaired a Your Party Rally addressed by Jeremy Corbyn. I have been an Independent since I left Labour and will be until the May 2026 election. I have joined Your Party, however, because I think it best represents my commitment to social and environmental justice – the values that Labour represented when I was elected.