South Shields is the only constituency in the country never to have had a Conservative MP. I think it’s a about time that changed.

 

We need to rebuild our town’s industry. We have a unique positioning, located on the mouth of the Tyne and the North Sea, close to Newcastle and Sunderland we need to work together to encourage business to the Port of Tyne.  Our River can be a place for industry and leisure.

 

The South Tyneside Marine and Technical College is first class and world renowned. We need to support the college and see it receives the funding required to ensure learning continues, but equally as important is to ensure there are jobs in the town and region for its graduates. South Shields is losing too many young people, because of the shortage of work in the town.

 

Our town centre is a shadow of its former glory, with shops closing every month. The lack of choice on our high street means shoppers have to travel to Newcastle and Sunderland. This is not only inconvenient, particularly for the elderly and those with children, but by sending shoppers away to spend their pounds elsewhere it leads to King Street’s further downward spiral.