Friday 16 September

On Monday I was joined by Deputy Leader Cllr Lisa Evans for our early in the week catch up with Managing Director Julie Danks to discuss any ongoing issues and the week ahead.

Tuesday saw my regular Leader's Briefing from the Council's Assistant Director of Administration, Democratic and Electoral Services, Margaret Waggott.

A quieter day in the diary on Wednesday meant I could catch up on some important Council paperwork.

Yesterday I met with Superintendent Marc Anderson, of Cleveland Police, for an update on neighbourhood policing across the Borough. I was joined on the virtual meeting by fellow Cabinet members Cllr Lisa Evans and Cllr Norma Stephenson as well as Julie Danks and senior directors.

Full Cabinet then met later in the day and discussed a number of items on the agenda, including a financial update and a Scrutiny Review of bonfires on public land.

This afternoon I will meet with Jonathan Nertney, Head of Democratic Services,for my regular briefing on the Council's Forward Plan.

Tomorrow I'll travel to Durham Cathedral to join those paying their respects at a Service of Reflection following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

On Sunday evening I will also join the Stockton Service of Remembrance at Stockton Parish Church. The service will be followed at 8pm by the National Moment of Reflection - a minutes silence led by the Vice Lord Lieutenant and the Mayor in the Church grounds.