Welcome to ‘This Is The North’ Podcast, your source of transformative conversations. An intentional challenge to the systems holding back the North of England. Hosted by Alison Dunn, an award-winning charity chief executive and former solicitor. This podcast is supported by Society Matters Community Interest Company and is dedicated to curating and sharing knowledge, powering the change we need from a more equal and inclusive society.

In today's episode, Alison is joined by Northumberland County Councillor and Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services, Guy Renner-Thompson. Guy is also the Conservative Party Candidate for the North East Mayoral Elections.

Guy shares his vision and plans for the North East, highlighting the region's historical significance and its potential for a prosperous future. With a focus on leveraging the new Devolution Deal, Guy aims to usher in a new era of growth and opportunity, focusing on investment designed to shift power closer to the communities it aims to benefit.

Born and raised in the North East, and a local businessman, Guy brings a personal commitment to advocating for the region’s needs. His track record as a Councillor for education in Northumberland, where he has improved school performance, demonstrates his dedication to enhancing local education and training facilities to the regions needs.

Today's discussion focuses on:

• Guy's Background & Roots in The North East
• Motivations to be Mayor
• Manifesto Pledges & Removing Barriers
• Reenergising The North East’s Industrial Heartlands
• His Role As Northumberland County Councillor & Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services
• Education As An Employment Edge
• The Transformative Potential of Devolution
• Farming, Agriculture & A Rural Plan 
• A Pledge For The Motorist 
• Impact of Green Energy 
• Freeports & Special Economic Zones (SEZs)
• Inequality & Child Poverty
• The Third Sector & Provision
• The UKs Recession & How This Came To Pass 
• If A Conservative Government is a Help or A Hindrance 
• Guy’s Assessment of The Past 14 Years of Conservative Governance
• Views Ahead of Mays Mayoral Elections & This Years General Election 
• Trussonomics & Guy’s Reflections on Liz Truss’s Tenure as PM 
• Key Thoughts & Takeaways

Key Date: Polling day to elect a North East mayor is Thursday, May 2nd 2024. You can register to vote here. Remember to register by 11:59pm on 16 April 2024 to vote.

Enjoyed the podcast? Subscribe now, and together, let's empower our communities for a brighter, more equitable future.

Alison Dunn (Host)

Guy Renner-Thompson (Guest)

Peter Bell (Producer)

This podcast was recorded and produced by Purpose Made, dedicated to powering societal change through knowledge sharing.

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