Candidates chew over top issues in North Tyneside

THE seven hopefuls vying to become the next mayor of North Tyneside gathered yesterday to spell out their competing visions to voters.

- AUSTEN SHAKESPEARE Local Democracy Reporter

Labour's Karen Clark, Conservative Liam Bones, Reform candidate John Falkenstein, the Green Party's Chloe-Louise Reilly, Community Independent Cath Davis, Lib Dem John Appleby and independent Martin Uren each discussed their ambitions for the borough at a special hustings debate hosted by the Newcastle Chronicle and The Journal.

Voters will go to the polls in North Tyneside on May 1 to elect a successor to retiring Labour mayor Dame Norma Redfearn.

Joined by a selection of local sixth form students and members of community groups, the political rivals talked over topics including the future of Monkseaton High School, the state of North Tyneside's schools and homes, and whether the role of the mayor should be abolished.

Coun Bones, a councillor in the Preston with Preston Grange ward, claimed that residents were “left asking what has actually improved” during Dame Norma's 12 years as mayor.