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 current serving North of Tyne Mayor and Independent North East Mayoral Candidate, Jamie Driscoll.

Jamie shares insights from his tenure as Mayor, focusing on his achievements despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. With 92% of his manifesto pledges already delivered, including unifying the region under a single Mayoral Combined Authority, Jamie's approach to governance is rooted in pragmatism and a deep-seated belief in public service.

From his early days leaving school at 16, to becoming a mature student and later a software developer, Jamie's varied life experiences have shaped his politics into what he describes as common sense rather than left or right-wing ideology. He emphasises the importance of democracy, public NHS, wealth tax, common ownership of utilities, universal basic income, proportional representation, and more—policies aimed at creating a fairer society for all.

Today's discussion focuses on:

• Jamie's Role As Mayor Of The North Of Tyne
• His Motivations To Be The North East Mayor
• His Formative Years & Influences
• Jamie's Career Pre-Politics & Early Years
• Commitment To Child Poverty Prevention
• The Green Agenda & Job Creation
• The Negotiation & Construction of A Devolution Deal
• Investment In Future Generations & Mental Health
• Lifting People Up & Not Leaving People Behind
• Unifying The Region & Recovery
• Adult Education & Rural Communities
• The Challenges of A Pandemic & Political Instability
• Transitioning From Labour To An Independent Candidate
• The Future Of Democracy
• Tuition Fees & Impacts
• Sadio Populism & Short-Termism
• The Shrinking Of Public Services
• The Rise of The Right Wing
• Misinformation & Electoral Implications
• Trust & Authenticity
• The Role of The Third Sector & Austerity
• Integrated Transportation
• Social Housing
• Tax & Wealth Inequality
• Key Thoughts & Takeaways

Key Date: Polling day to elect a North East mayor is Thursday, May 2nd 2024. You can register to vote here.

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

Alison Dunn (Host)

Jamie Driscoll (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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