Simon Clarke – 2023 Statement on the Middlesbrough Mayoral Result

I want to pay tribute to outgoing Mayor Tees Issues by Andy Preston. Winning the Mayoralty from Labour in 2019 was an historic achievement, which most people would never have believed was possible in such a stronghold for the party. Since then, Andy and I haven’t agreed on everything, but he was a force for good in the town, championing inward investment and talking Middlesbrough up rather than talking us down.

There are many important parts of his legacy that I will work to build on and to defend, including critically the plans for town centre regeneration, where the new Mayoral Development Corporation delivered with Ben Houchen – Tees Valley Mayor has the powers and funding to transform areas like Gresham which Labour left in ruins.

There are also great new proposals like the new school being planned with Star Academies and Eton, which will give so many local children a fantastic head start in life if it goes ahead – again, I will do my utmost to make sure Labour do not now stop this for ideological reasons.

Putting yourself forward for election to public office takes courage and conviction, whatever political party you stand for, or none, and I wish Andy and his family all the best with new adventures.

It is also important to respect democracy and I will work as constructively as possible with the incoming Mayor Chris Cooke to deliver for Middlesbrough, and to defend the interests of everyone in south Middlesbrough and ensure we receive a fair deal from the new council.