It is an honour for me to stand as Labour candidate for Coxhoe Division.
With experience of how local government works and councils operate, I want to bring this know-how to work alongside my Labour colleagues and become a champion for County Durham’s villages.
I Chair Coxhoe Parish Council, which has been responsible for a number of hugely positive changes in the area. If I were to win the Coxhoe seat, I would be able to continue to build on this sterling work.
There are strong community links in our Division, with established partnerships with other villages helping us to achieve positive results for the people of Coxhoe, Bowburn, Cassop, Croxdale and and all the other surrounding areas we represent.
But we are not complacent and realise so much more is required. I hope to make even more progress should I be elected.
I believe one of the most important things we need to get right is how we communicate with local residents, listening and ensuring their voices are heard at a local and county level. And I guarantee every resident in the Coxhoe Division that my priorities as a councillor will reflect those of the people I serve.
The funding cuts made to local authorities, and Durham County Council specifically, have been brutal and facing the challenges these cuts will bring will be no easy task, but I am confident we can withstand the impact and continue to develop.
Over the years, Labour has worked tirelessly to ensure the needs of local people are being met, supporting a range of local services in Coxhoe ward, including Bowburn Community Centre, Coxhoe History Group, Sunderland Bridge in Bloom, Bowburn Junior School, Kelloe Community Partnership and Coxhoe Banner Group.
Labour has supported countless improvements across the area and I am committed to ensuring the good work of Labour across our communities continues.
I am proud to represent such a tight-knit community and to have the chance to continue the hard work of Labour.
Hear more from Stuart about why #LabourWorks for County Durham: