We promised prudent financial management practices, focusing on reducing the debt the Council has amassed on wasteful vanity projects. We would keep Council Tax rises to the absolute minimum and invite private investment into our six towns.
The party has selected a local candidate to win back what was one of only a few Conservative footholds in the North East.
Shopping online will remain a popular choice. But reforming Business Rates is the best way of helping hostelries and independent retailers.
In the second piece in our three-part mini-series, the Mayor tells ConservativeHome that freeport status can transform the area.
Yesterday, I wrote to the Chancellor with the support of 50 of the biggest and most established businesses in the Tees Valley, to call for a pilot scheme.
Business growth is the priority.
A 58 per cent rise in the tax over the last two decades should serve as a warning against further hikes.
The first in a three-part ConHome mini-series on the Tory revival in the area since the Mayoral election of last May.