Mayor sets out priorities after narrow triumph

AFTER securing a narrow victory over Reform UK, the newly-elected Mayor of North Tyneside has pledged to focus on housing, youth opportunities and jobs as her core priorities for the next four years.

- AUSTEN SHAKESPEARE

Labour's Karen Clark was elected to the role by the slim margin of just 444 votes ahead of the total counted for Reform candidate John Falkenstein.

Mayor Clark said: "I want to say a huge big thank you to the people that voted for me, and I'm delighted and honoured to be the next elected Mayor of North Tyneside. As I stated in all my campaign literature, my pledges are very clear.

"I want to continue to build on the strong legacy of Dame Norma Redfearn. I want to continue regeneration of the borough, which includes building more affordable social housing. I want to increase jobs at a decent level of pay.

"I want to expand our skills provision and increase opportunities for our young people. And I want to retain our libraries, leisure centres, and continue to make North Tyneside one of the best places to live, work, and visit."

On the question of her small majority and Labour's battle against Reform, Mayor Clark added: "I think it's in keeping with the national trend. It is always difficult when you're a party that is in government.