Veronica Nicholson: Throston’s By-Election 1 May 2025

Veronica Nicholson Former Mayoress of Hartlepool

As Throston Ward prepares for the Hartlepool Council by-election on May 1, 2025, one candidate shines as a beacon of community spirit and positivity: Veronica Nicholson, the Conservative candidate. Veronica isn’t just campaigning for a seat – she’s a warm, energetic presence with deep roots in Hartlepool’s community life. Neighbours know her as a friendly face at local coffee mornings, a former Mayoress who served with pride, and a tireless advocate for making our town safer and stronger. Read on to meet Veronica and discover why she’s a heartfelt choice for Throston residents.

Rooted in Community and Family Values

Community spirit is at the core of who Veronica is. Every week, you can find her at the Pansies coffee morning – a local breast cancer support group’s gathering – chatting with residents over tea and cake, offering a listening ear and a helping hand. She’s a regular at these Monday meet-ups, forging strong social ties and friendships that span generations. Veronica’s warmth and genuine interest in people’s lives have made her a beloved fixture in these circles. It’s not uncommon to see her laughing with the seniors or organizing little raffle prizes to brighten someone’s day.

Beyond attending community events, Veronica has even founded a new social group to bring people together. She took the lead in establishing the “Friends of Hartlepool Conservatives” Coffee Morning group – a casual, welcoming get-together for anyone who shares a love of community and conversation. Through this initiative, she’s helped neighbours connect in a friendly setting, proving that politics isn’t just about policies but about people and camaraderie. It’s just one example of her knack for building bridges and encouraging fellowship among residents.

Veronica’s athletic background also speaks to her energetic and team-oriented nature. A former athlete, she still carries that enthusiasm into everything she does – whether it was joining a local fun run for charity or enthusiastically supporting Hartlepool’s sports teams from the sidelines. That sporty perseverance shows in her campaigning too: she was always on the move with a spring in her step. And standing firmly behind Veronica is her loving family. Her family’s support is her “secret weapon” – from cheering her on at community events to helping distribute leaflets on brisk weekends. They know, better than anyone, her genuine commitment to the town, and their encouragement fuels her passion to serve Throston Ward.

Proud Mayoress and Community Leader

It’s not just informal community groups that have felt Veronica’s positive impact. She served as the Mayoress of Hartlepool, a role in which she represented the town with grace and dedication. During her time as Mayoress (alongside the Mayor), Veronica rolled up her sleeves and got involved in numerous initiatives to improve Hartlepool. She wasn’t the kind of ceremonial figurehead who just cuts ribbons – she was an active ambassador for our town. In fact, Veronica played an ambassadorial role during a historic moment for the country: she stood strong as Hartlepool proclaimed the accession of King Charles III following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. In that moment of national transition, Veronica offered strength and unity, helping bring the community together to honour the late Queen and welcome our new King. Many residents remember seeing her at the proclamation ceremony, gracefully supporting others – a true symbol of continuity and compassion during a bittersweet time.

While carrying out civic duties, Veronica also took pride in championing major local projects that have brought good news to Hartlepool. Under the Conservative-led council administration, the town saw a wave of investments and improvements – and Veronica was there to cheer them on every step of the way. Some highlights of this period include:

• Highlight Leisure Centre and Wellbeing Hub: A brand-new state-of-the-art leisure centre (aptly named “Highlight”) was approved and built for Hartlepool, providing modern swimming, fitness, and wellness facilities for families. Veronica was thrilled to see this project get the green light, knowing how much it means for community health and happiness.

  
  

• £13 million for Hartlepool Hospital: Significant government funding was secured to upgrade the University Hospital of Hartlepool, improving wards and installing greener, energy-efficient systems to keep our hospital at the forefront of care. As Mayoress, Veronica celebrated this boost for local healthcare – a cause close to her heart – because it benefits staff, patients, and the whole community.

  
  

• £25 million Town Deal: Hartlepool won an ambitious Town Deal from the government, bringing £25M to regenerate our town centre and create new opportunities. From revamping Middleton Grange shopping centre to investing in education and skills, this Conservative-led initiative is transforming Hartlepool’s future. Veronica has been a vocal supporter of these plans to breathe new life into our town.

  
  

• £50 million A689 Upgrade: To better connect Hartlepool with the region, around £50M has been committed to improve the A689 transport corridor. This means safer, less congested travel and better links to jobs and services in the Tees Valley. Veronica knows how important good infrastructure is for residents and businesses, and she welcomed this investment as a game-changer for local connectivity.

  
  

• ...and more. From securing funding for local schools and parks, to expanding creative industries, the Conservatives brought many positives to Hartlepool in recent years. Veronica has been front and centre advocating these initiatives. (One exciting example is the new investment in Hartlepool’s burgeoning film and TV production studios – a project creating jobs and putting our town on the cultural map! Every time a new project was announced, Veronica was there with a smile, often in her Mayoress chains, ready to explain how it would benefit the people of Hartlepool.
  

Veronica’s tenure as Mayoress proved she’s not afraid to lead and serve in equal measure. She balanced the pomp of civic ceremonies with the practicality of town improvements. Those who worked with her during that time describe her as approachable, enthusiastic, and always willing to roll up her sleeves to get things done. She has a knack for bringing people together – whether it’s councillors from different parties, community volunteers, or business leaders – to make good things happen for Hartlepool.

A Vision for Throston: Safer Streets, Stronger Community

Now, as she campaigns to be Throston’s next councillor, Veronica Nicholson is brimming with ideas to improve everyday life for residents. She listens to what people in Throston are concerned about, and her priorities reflect those real conversations on the doorstep. Here’s what Veronica is focusing on for Throston Ward:

• Cracking Down on Anti-Social Behaviour: Veronica is determined to tackle anti-social behaviour that affects our quality of life – especially the scourge of illegal off-road motorbikes roaring through our estates and parks. She believes everyone deserves to feel safe in their neighbourhood. Veronica plans to work closely with the police and support community-led schemes to stop dangerous off-road biking and petty vandalism so that families and seniors alike can enjoy peace and quiet. (She has experience here – in her previous work with the Police and Crime Commissioner’s office, projects were funded to combat exactly these issues, and she wants to continue that effort in Throston.

  
  

• Cleaner, Greener Streets: Walk around Throston with Veronica and you’ll instantly see her pride in the area. She wants our streets not just safe, but spotlessly clean and inviting. Veronica will push for better street cleaning schedules, more bins where needed, and community clean-up days to tackle litter. She’s even talked about organizing volunteer “spruce up Throston” mornings – and given her enthusiasm, you can bet she’ll be out there in a high-vis jacket with a litter-picker in hand! Little improvements like tidier streets, maintained green spaces, and pretty flower beds can make a big difference, and Veronica is passionate about these “small things” that show love for our community.

  
  

• Standing Up for the Elderly: With many pensioners in Throston, Veronica is deeply committed to caring for our older residents. She was outraged when the Labour-run council cut the local Winter Fuel Payment support, effectively leaving some of our seniors in the cold. “No one should have to choose between heating and eating,” Veronica says. If elected, she’ll fight to restore support for the elderly to keep warm in winter, and more broadly ensure our seniors have access to the help they need – be it through council services or community networks. From helping to reinstate fuel vouchers to supporting local lunch clubs and social activities for older folks, Veronica will be a champion for the elderly who have given so much to our town.

  
  

• Jobs and Opportunities for Hartlepool’s Future: Veronica is excited about the new jobs coming to Hartlepool thanks to the investments her party has secured in leisure, television and film, and other industries. She sees a bright future where our young people don’t have to move away to find good work – because it’s being created right here. With projects like the Highlight leisure centre bringing service jobs, and the expansion of Northern Film & TV Studios bringing creative and technical jobs, Hartlepool’s horizon is looking up. Veronica’s goal is to boost enthusiasm and readiness for these opportunities. She wants to work with local schools, colleges, and businesses to make sure residents have the skills and information to seize these new roles. By promoting apprenticeships and training in these growing sectors, Veronica will help ensure that Hartlepool people are first in line to benefit from Hartlepool’s growth. It’s all about giving our community hope and a stake in the town’s success story.
  

Trusted and Positive Leadership for Throston

What do those who know Veronica best say about her? Fellow community leaders speak highly of her dedication and character. Councillor Mike Young, Chairman of Hartlepool Conservative Association, praises Veronica as “a cornerstone of our local party” and a “positive, can-do” figure who has “years of campaign leadership experience.” In other words, she’s the kind of person who doesn’t just talk about making things better – she has the experience and drive to actually do it, and she’s been doing it for years.

For the residents of Throston Ward, Veronica Nicholson offers something special. She brings together the compassionate touch of a neighbour who cares deeply about people, the proven commitment of a public servant who’s already given so much to Hartlepool, and the energetic vision of a leader who sees a brighter future ahead. Veronica is friendly and approachable – the type of person who remembers your name and your concerns – yet she’s also bold and proactive when it comes to solving problems and fighting for resources our area needs.

In Veronica’s own words, she’s “not here to make promises, but to deliver results.” Her track record backs that up. If you’re looking for someone who will roll up their sleeves for Throston, celebrate our community successes, and stand up for residents every single day, Veronica Nicholson is the heartfelt, trustworthy choice. Her campaign is all about optimism and getting things done – a fresh breath of positive change for Throston. On May 1st, a vote for Veronica is a vote for community, continuity, and a can-do spirit. She’s ready to serve, and ready to keep Hartlepool’s good news story going!