Mayoral Delays Expose the Chaos Behind Labour’s Devolution Plan Tuesday, 9 December, 2025 The news of delays to the mayoral elections for Essex, Hampshire and other areas has rightly led to a few raised eyebrows within local government. But as well as having an impact in the directly effected areas, the implications of these actions should be on the radar of all other areas currently in the devolution process and heading towards a combined authority. It was always an ambitious agenda... Local News
Viewing Clarion's Work in Manchester 30th July 2025 The opportunity to get a behind the scenes look at housing development with one of the country's largest housing associations - Clarion - was one I couldn't... Opinions
Thank You University of Staffordshire 23rd July 2025 A huge honour yesterday to be awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Staffordshire in front of fellow alumni, my family and honorary doctorate... Local News
A Record Breaking Effort! 8th July 2025 We took an hour out of work today to join hundreds of people across Stoke-on-Trent (and beyond!) in a Centenary Tea Party that has now officially been confirmed... Local News
LGA Conference does Liverpool 4th July 2025 A highlight of the local government year for me is always the Local Government Association (LGA) Conference, held this year in Liverpool. It's always a busy few... Opinions
Keele Day 2025 28th June 2025 It was a pleasure to return to Keele University this weekend for their special open day for alumni. Although I attended for Keele as a postgraduate about 25... Local News
Art Slam in Newcastle-under-Lyme 28th June 2025 If an idea's good, it's great to share - and brilliant to see Capital and Centric bring the Art Slam concept to their portfolio of projects in Newcastle-under... Local News
Walking the Staffordshire Way in 4 Days for Dougie Mac 23rd June 2025 When the phone rang and Martin Tideswell asked if I'd join him and a few others in walking the Staffordshire Way, I said yes - then he told me how far it was... Local News
BBC Midlands Politics 15th June 2025 My second visit to BBC Midlands Politics this year and some slightly different footage to share - a clip of my comments around investment in the Midlands within... Local News
Meir Park Celebrates Stoke-on-Trent's Centenary! 7th June 2025 It was a wonderful seeing so many residents out across the community today, joining in with a variety of events to recognise the city's centenary. This morning... Local News
