Losing the 2021 mayoral election didn't hurt - but people not voting did | Candidates, analysis and how to vote

Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Subscribe here..

LOSING IN 2021 DIDN'T HURT - BUT PEOPLE NOT VOTING DID

64% of Teesside's voting public abstained from exercising their democratic right in the 2021 Tees Valley mayoral elections. Jessie Joe Jacobs, director of The Democracy Network, who was on the losing side of the vote in 2021, explains why that hurt more than the defeat

By Jessie Joe Jacobs
You can also read this article on The Lead here

Politics matters and voting does too. Politics is a force that shapes the very fabric of our lives. In 2002 I founded A Way Out, a women and young people’s service that works with women and young people at risk, we were working with some of Teesside’s most vulnerable people, young people living in derelict buildings, women being beaten with broom sticks by pimps, children with no food in their fridges or carpet on the floors, but after years of trying to make if difference, it became increasingly clear, it wasn’t just the work of charities that would create change, it was also about policies and how decisions were made.

I came to realise that the issues we grapple with are not merely the result of individual choices; they're deeply intertwined with the policies and decisions made by our elected leaders.

I began to understand, that politics matters. It's not just about what happens in the corridors of power; it's about whether our communities have access to quality public services, adequate housing, crisis support, youth services, and decent-paying jobs. These decisions, often made by politicians, have a profound impact on the lives of ordinary people.

In 2019, fuelled by a desire to effect change at a political level, I threw my hat into the ring for the position of Tees Valley Mayor. It was a tough election, during the Covid crisis, when even speaking to voters was at times impossible and the party I was representing were doing pretty terribly across the country. It was no surprise that I didn’t win, but it wasn't the loss that hurt —it was the fact that so many people just didn't vote. In that election, a heartbreaking 64% of Teesside's voting public abstained from exercising their democratic right. Two out of three people chose silence, leaving the fate of our community in the hands of others. This, to me, was and still is deeply troubling.

The years since have been marked by upheaval and uncertainty, both locally and nationally. From controversies surrounding Teesworks to the scandals of partygate; changes in prime ministers, amidst questions around covid contracts, and a fluctuating and at times, failing economy. And yet, in the face of these challenges, voter disillusionment seems to be on the rise. People are weary of politics, disheartened by the perceived distance between their voices and the corridors of power, unconvinced that change can ever come.

But now, more than ever, is the time to reclaim our democracy. Voting is not just a right; it's a responsibility—a chance to shape the future of our communities and our country. As we approach the upcoming local elections for Tees Valley Mayor and the Police and Crime Commissioner on May 2nd, followed by the General Election later this year, I implore you: use your vote. It doesn't matter which party you support or which way you lean politically. What matters is that you participate, that you make your voice heard.

This is our chance to demand better, to hold our leaders accountable, and to shape a future that reflects the needs and aspirations of all. So, on election day, don't stay silent. Cast your vote for the future you want to see. Don't let apathy, disillusionment or discouragement rob us of our voice. Our democracy depends on it.

READ THIS ARTICLE ON OUR WEBSITE

TEES VALLEY MAYORAL ELECTION 2024: CANDIDATES, ANALYSIS AND HOW TO VOTE

Chris McEwan, Ben Houchen and Simon Thorley are all looking to be elected as Tees Valley Mayor on 2 May

A mayor for the Tees Valley Combined Authority will be elected on 2 May.

Voters in Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland, and Stockton-on-Tees are going to the polls.

The controversial current mayor Ben Houchen – Baron Houchen of High Leven to give him his full title since last year – is seeking a third term after narrowly being elected in the area’s first mayoral elections in 2017 and then defeating his Labour opponent in 2021, with 72.8 per cent of the vote.

The mayor has to work alongside the five Tees Valley local authorities, with responsibilities over economic growth, skills, transport and other areas, but there has been friction between the Conservative peer and the other leaders, who are split 4-1 along Labour-Conservative party lines since last year’s local elections.

Houchen has gained national visibility for his stewardship of the vast Teesworks regeneration site and freeport. A government inquiry into his dealings with two local developers found no evidence of corruption but said decisions taken by bodies he chairs “did not meet the standards expected when managing public funds”.

The candidates

Chris McEwan, Labour
Ben Houchen, Conservative Party
Simon Thorley, Liberal Democrats

To some extent sitting elected mayors are permanently campaigning, such is the high profile nature of the job. Houchen, like other mayors Andy Burnham, Steve Rotheram and Andy Street, enjoys name recognition way greater than council leaders. With his huge majority, Houchen will be hard to beat.

He stands on his investment and job creation record, dismissing widespread criticism of his business dealings, but he’ll lose the Covid vaccine bounce that Conservatives enjoyed in 2021’s election, and now contends with a national swing against them.

Stuart Wilks-Heeg, politics professor at Liverpool University, says: “There are very major issues about what Ben Houchen has been doing in Tees Valley, and the details are coming out, but whether that will impact on how people vote? Potentially not enough to see him removed from office.

“He may well have a little time to run yet. It may catch up with him eventually but for this election he may be safe. But Labour will want to make progress there and they’ll want to take that mayoralty if they possibly can.”

Chris McEwan is launching Labour’s assault. The deputy leader of Darlington Council is pledging to “open up the books” on Teesworks, if elected, and “never to make a decision behind a closed door”.

Simon Thorley’s priorities would be to invest £25 million in new early years support programme, introduce grants for adult learners and bring buses under public control.

Wilks-Heeg points out that this election will use the first past the post system, not the supplementary vote method used previously in mayoral elections.

“Now people are going to have to pick one candidate. We’ll have to see what difference that makes.”

How to vote

Applications to register to vote had to reach the relevant Electoral Registration Officer by 12 midnight on Tuesday 16 April.

Applications, amendments or cancellations of postal votes must reach the relevant Electoral Registration Officer by 5pm on Wednesday 17 April.

Applications to vote by proxy must reach the relevant Electoral Registration Officer by 5pm on Wednesday 24 April.

Applications to vote by emergency proxy must reach the relevant Electoral Registration Officer by 5pm on Thursday 2 May.

Voter ID

Last year the government introduced a requirement for voters to show photo ID when voting at a polling station at parliamentary elections, local elections, by-elections and Police and Crime Commissioner elections. More information on voter ID requirements is available here.

The deadline to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate if you don't already have an acceptable form of ID is 5pm Wednesday 24 April.

Polling cards and ballot papers

You’ll be sent a polling card before the election telling you when to vote and at which polling station.

You can only vote at the polling station location on your card. You do not have to take your poll card with you.

Give your name and address to the staff inside the polling station when you arrive.

You’ll need to show your photo ID.

You’ll be given a ballot paper listing the candidates. Take your ballot paper into a polling booth. Mark your ballot paper with an X – not a tick – next to the candidate you would like to vote for. You must vote for only one candidate.

EXPLORE MORE FROM TEESSIDE:

LIB DEM CANDIDATE QUESTIONS MP INTERVENTIONS

A Tees Valley mayoral candidate says letters recently sent out to constituents by local Conservative MPs praising progress on economic regeneration “skirt close to the line” of what is appropriate.

Liberal Democrat Simon Thorley said the House of Commons penned letters from Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland MP Sir Simon Clarke and Redcar MP Jacob Young were a “desperate attempt” to drum up support for Tory candidate Ben Houchen. (Teesside Live)

NEW OWNER OF M&S MIDDLESBROUGH SHARES GOALS

The new owner of a landmark which housed Marks and Spencer for more than a century has outlined his firm’s ambition following the purchase.

Nasser Din, co-owner of Linthorpe 54 Limited, said they have acquired the building on Linthorpe Road.

He outlined plans to invest in the area and fight against the “neglect” Middlesbrough has suffered over the years - and added this is part of their greater scheme to help revitalise the town centre. (Northern Echo)

NATIONAL STORIES YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN...

Veteran bankrupted by Windrush Scandal dies

How racism shapes medical treatment

It's time to scrap the rotten, immoral DWP

If you’re a cyclist whose bike needs some loving, take it to Dr Bike in Darlington. He’ll be in Market Hall until 29 April , giving free bike health and safety checks to everything that rolls his way. No need to book, just bring your bike on the day between 10-2pm.

This Thursday, an innovative four-week printing course is starting at Durham Sixth Form Centre. Led by artist Cloe Sparrow, you’ll create your very own artist books – over 4 unique sessions. You’ll learn a range of techniques, from drawing to printmaking, creating a collection of works that’ll make you proud.

Are you a fan of superheroes? Scary villains? Or just fancy Batman? Then join your people at the Princess Helena for the Ultimate Superhero Quiz, this Thursday evening. It will test your knowledge + you might even win a prize or two. Assemble your team asap.

This Friday the Women’s Group - with Safe Space will be held at the Salaam Community Centre in Hartlepool. This is a kind, supportive and inclusive space – for a chat, a moan, a cuppa and a break. Pop in anytime between 6-8pm.

If you’re a metal and alt-music fan, then the Princess Helena has the Friday night for you. VORTEX is a monthly night in Hartlepool - where you can dance, chill, meet cool people and even do a bit of karaoke. Plus free entry! Get yourself down.

This Friday and Saturday, a documentary about the joy of wild swimming is coming to ARC, Stockton-on-Tees. It follows the community in Gaddings Dam, the home of England’s highest beach, who come together to dive into the icy sea. This doc celebrates mental health, nature and the transformative power of diving into the North Sea.

Saturday morning in Middlesbrough, MOTHEROTHER is hosting the art networking event ‘It Takes a Village’. There will be artist talks on caregiving + support within the arts, as well as the chance to meet lots of lovely people and have a snack too. And it’s free.

Also Saturday morning, the Woodland Trust are leading a free guided spring stroll in Low Burnhall, Durham. Their expert guides will lead you through the woodland, teaching you about histories, habitats and answering all your nature questions. Reserve your space.

If you’re a creative in Teesside, then you need to check out ETCH. This is a relaxed meet-up for creative folk at The BIS in Hartlepool, where you can chat about all things funding, opportunities, collabs, creative support and more. It’s free and the next one is on 23 April.

The same day, Ladies, Wine & Design Hartlepool are hosting a social and networking event! There’ll be a guest speaker, an immersive exhibition and a room full of lovely, creative people. Grab your ticket here.

Thank you for reading The Teesside Lead this week. You can drop us a line at teesside@thelead.uk with any thoughts, tips or feedback. Have a great week.

Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Subscribe here.

You received this email because you subscribed to our list. You can unsubscribe at any time.
The Lead North
9-10 Cross Street, Preston, PR1 3LT
The Lead Newspapers Limited
147-149 Farringdon Road, London, London, EC1R 3HN, United Kingdom