As we stand at the crossroads of our region’s future, I am committed to unleashing the full potential of Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire.

Full statement

This means creating an environment where both our people and our businesses can thrive, expand, and innovate.

The future of our region lies in bridging the gap between education and industry. We must empower our local educational institutions to collaborate closely with businesses—particularly those in engineering and manufacturing—to ensure that we are filling critical skills gaps. It's not just about providing opportunities for our youth coming out of school and college, but also for the adults who feel disenfranchised by years of neglect and missed chances from successive governments.

Our beautiful region is rich with untapped resources, not least in the vast areas of brownfield land that lie underutilised. There is no need to encroach upon our green spaces in the pursuit of growth—what we need is the vision and will to make the most of what we already have. Using my background in engineering, manufacturing, and future tech industries, I will work to attract new businesses, creating high-quality, well-paid jobs for our local people. By partnering with institutions such as Hull University and East Riding College, we can directly feed the next generation of talent into the industries that will power our future.

Hull and the East Riding offer unique advantages for businesses: affordable land, an ambitious workforce, and the untapped potential of the Humber Freeport as a global gateway for trade and commerce. These are all key assets that we can leverage to bring prosperity to our region.

This growth will not only benefit businesses but will directly impact our community. With higher wages and a more vibrant economy, the council’s revenue will increase, allowing us to reinvest in our much-needed transport infrastructure. I firmly believe that social mobility begins with transport mobility. By improving our transport links, we will ensure that people across Hull and the East Riding can easily access the jobs they need, whether in our own region or beyond.

One of my top priorities will be advocating for the reinstatement of the Beverley to York rail line and securing additional investment for the lines connecting Hull to Liverpool. We must break free from isolation and build stronger connections with our neighbours, not just across Yorkshire, but across the North as a whole.

I do not answer to London, nor do I adhere to the divisive national lines that have long held our region back. My loyalty lies solely with the people of Hull and the East Riding. For far too long, we have been ignored by those who prioritize their party’s interests over the needs of our communities. But now, we have a real opportunity to vote for a vision that puts Yorkshire people, Yorkshire jobs, and Yorkshire culture at the forefront of everything we do.

Together, we can build a brighter, more prosperous future for Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire. Let’s unlock our region’s potential—together.