It’s hugely concerning that the National Black Police Association has named Cleveland Police as “institutionally racist” in evidence to Parliament this week as reported in the Northern Echo.

People at the heart of community life are fantastic representatives on the Council. Following last week’s introduction of our ex-military personnel, I want to introduce the next group of people who’ll be standing to champion many of YOUR home areas in May.

In a week where Cleveland Police have been in the spotlight, I think it’s helpful to share the facts and why I’m calling for major changes.

I paid an amazing visit to the Tees Valley Wildlife Trust, whose volunteers are restoring our barn owl population across Cleveland. From just two breeding pairs of these magnificent birds a few years ago, we are now up to 35.

After a phenomenal start to 2019, from saving Teesside Airport to sealing the deal for the Tata land in Redcar, it was good to pay tribute to our Tess Valley Mayor, Ben Houchen in Parliament yesterday. It was great to hear the Government's full support in reply!

Last night I met the Home Secretary Sajid Javid to discuss Cleveland Police. I requested this after the resignation of Chief Constable Mike Veale, the latest in a long line of scandals that have crippled the Force.

I enjoyed a fascinating tour of the workshops at Eco-Trailer UK in Nunthorpe last week.

I'm supporting former Royal Marine Joel, from Marton, who came to tell me about Ocean Revival 2020, an incredible challenge he's undertaking with three fellow Marines next year to row across the Atlantic, from the Brooklyn Bridge in New York to Tower Bridge in London - a journey that will take th

It was great to go back to see my friends at the RDA Unicorn Centre in Hemlington yesterday with a donation of 40 bags of postcrete to help repair their drive. My share of the donation was kindly matched by Green And Son Builders Merchant from Lingdale!

At a tough time for Cleveland Police, it was good to be able to thank Sergeant Whitlock and his team for the hard work they put in on our behalf at my surgery at Tesco Coulby Newham on Friday.