Simon wants to improve connectivity in our area in all its different forms, from tackling poor internet quality in Coulby Newham to ending the culture of neglect that has seen some of East Cleveland's towns like Loftus abandoned and ignored for far too long.
I know how important it is to improve public transport connections across rural East Cleveland. This is an issue I have discussed extensively with Arriva and I was personally disappointed by their recent decision relating to changes to the 5/5A service east of Skelton.
I really welcome the way that local people used May’s local elections to vote for positive change. I will be meeting new Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston soon, and sat down last week with the new Leader of Redcar and Cleveland, Councillor Mary Lanigan.
I was a guest on today's BBC Sunday Politics. I spoke from the heart about how strongly I feel about honouring my promises. I don't think this month's European elections should be taking place, I won't campaign in them, and I won't support a Customs Union with the EU.
Today I visited Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen to discuss the next steps for a possible rail solution to the Marton Crawl. I'm hopeful we can investigate the case for a new train station outside Nunthorpe with a park and ride for commuters from East Cleveland.
Happy New Year! Have a really great time tonight. There's a hugely exciting 2019 ahead - please SHARE this post to spread the word about what's coming up!
The fight to solve the Marton Crawl continues, and on Friday I held really good talks with passionate campaigners determined to ensure we get the right solution. This seems a good time to share a number of important updates:
The breaking news that Tees Valley Mayor, Ben Houchen, has agreed a deal to rescue our airport is amazing, and I know will be hugely welcomed across our constituency.
Ben made a promise to buy Durham Tees Valley airport and he has delivered.
There's hugely welcome news for our area in the Budget today - most importantly that the Chancellor has pledged £14 million to prepare specific sites for two major new metals projects to move into the Mayoral Development Corporation site at Redcar.
