Dear Members and Supporters of Hartlepool Conservatives,

 

As Chairman of the Hartlepool Conservative Association, I want to take a moment to speak directly to you about our shared vision for a more prosperous, dynamic, and inclusive Hartlepool. This is a town where everyone, from our pensioners to our youngest families, should have the chance to thrive and look forward to a bright future. The recent election results were tough, but they don't define us. Instead, they serve as a reminder of the challenges we need to tackle head-on, and I know we’ll rise to the occasion—together.

 

Over the last 18 months, we’ve seen what we can achieve when we unite with a common purpose. With £115 million invested in regeneration during my time as Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, destined to return £300 million in revenue, we have set in motion plans that will deliver long-term economic growth and change lives for the better. We’re talking about real opportunities—creating jobs, revitalising industries, and ensuring that everyone, from apprentices just starting out to seasoned professionals, can build a future right here in Hartlepool. And this is just the beginning.

 

Our work is far from done. Supporting pensioners, vulnerable people, and families is at the heart of everything we’re doing. Through targeted skills programmes and retraining opportunities, we’re making sure our residents have the qualifications they need to thrive in industries like manufacturing, green technologies, healthcare, and education. Hartlepool is well-positioned to lead the way in bringing sustainable, well-paying jobs back to the region, and we’re determined to make that happen.

 

As your Chairman, I’m dedicated to seeing these plans through. We’ve made solid progress, but the potential of Hartlepool is only just beginning to be realised. With your support, I know we can achieve even more. Let’s build on what we’ve started, and make sure the future we’re working towards becomes a reality for everyone in our town.

 

Our Priorities Moving Forward:

 

1. Education and Skills, Job Creation and Investment: Our schools and colleges have set a high standard, and we’re going to build on that success. We want to make sure both young people and adults have the skills they need to take advantage of future job opportunities, especially in an evolving job market. We will keep attracting new businesses to Hartlepool, focusing on generating good jobs for local people. Apprenticeships and retraining will be a key part of this, ensuring that no one is left behind.

 

2. Healthcare Access: We’re investing in local healthcare services to make sure everyone, from pensioners to young families, gets the care they deserve. This will also help create more jobs in healthcare and social care, further strengthening our community.

 

3. Law and Order: A safe and secure Hartlepool is a priority for all of us. We need to ensure that everyone feels safe in their homes, workplaces, and communities. We will push for more resources for our police and law enforcement agencies to tackle crime head-on, from anti-social behaviour to serious offences. At the same time, we need to address the sensitive issue of illegal economic migration, which puts additional strain on our public services, housing, and job market. It’s not just about keeping our borders secure—it’s about protecting opportunities and resources for the people of Hartlepool who have worked hard and deserve fairness in the system. We will continue to stand firm on these issues, ensuring that local people always come first.

 

Our Record Speaks for Itself

 

The past two years have proven that when Conservatives lead, real, tangible progress is made. We haven’t just been managing decline—we’ve been building for the future. From securing major funding to improving social services ranked excellent and our changes to Adult Education now also ranked as Outstanding, our leadership delivered meaningful benefits for Hartlepool. We’ve kept our town on a responsible financial path while making improvements that will last for generations - amidst a pandemic, high international inflation, wars and the impacts for people as a result. Our track record still speaks for itself: we are the team that can move Hartlepool forward.

 

But let’s not ignore the fact that Labour’s recent decisions are already putting our progress at risk. Their reckless policies, like cutting the winter fuel allowance for our pensioners, show a disregard for the most vulnerable members of our community. Their tax hikes are going to hit hard-working families, stifle growth, and undo much of the good work we’ve started. And their fantasy land statements about £22bn black holes. They may have won this election, but they’re showing us now that they lack the vision and leadership the Country and Hartlepool needs and have further proved that they could never be trusted in the first place.

 

Our Commitment to a Brighter Future

 

As Conservatives, we stand for stability, growth, and long-term prosperity. We believe in a Hartlepool that puts people first, that values hard work, and that creates opportunities for everyone. With your help, we will rebuild even stronger. Together, we will show this town and the wider region that our best days are still ahead.

 

That’s why I’m inviting all of you to join us as we continue this journey. We have the support of our new Area Chairman, Richard Bell, and our Regional Chairman, Richard Lawrie, both of whom are fully behind our local efforts to transform Hartlepool under Conservative leadership. In the coming weeks, I’ll be inviting you to workshops, meetings, and social events designed to get things moving and to fundraise for the next chapter in our journey.

 

Thank you for your continued dedication and support. We will never give up on this town, and together, we will build a brighter future for all. This will kick off with even more energy when the new national leader of the Conservative Party is in place. In the meantime, let’s continue the fight against Labour’s damaging plans both locally and nationally. Encourage your friends and family to join as members—it’s time to come together and show what we can achieve.

 

With sincere thanks and optimism for the future,​

Mike

Councillor Mike Young

Chairman, Hartlepool Conservative Association