What We Built – And What We Must Remember

There’s something powerful about seeing a promise fulfilled — something you can walk past, touch, and know: we did this.

In Hartlepool, the foundations we laid over recent years are finally rising into view. Projects long trapped in committee rooms and campaign leaflets are now near completion. The Highlight Leisure Centre stands as a beacon of what’s possible when ambition meets delivery — and when a town dares to believe in itself again.

Under a Conservative-led Council, in partnership with Mayor Ben Houchen and the Tees Valley Combined Authority, we took bold decisions. We unlocked government funding. We matched it with local resolve. We set out not just to patch up Hartlepool — but to transform it.

It’s therefore deeply disappointing that some felt we hadn’t done enough and we understood that there were larger issues at play. The ballot box in May 2024 may have spoken — but it also raised questions: but we soon, as a town realised together that when Labour won, Hartlepool lost.

That said, we mustn’t look at Highlight and forget the quiet years of groundwork. We mustn’t drive past the new road layouts, or through the revitalised Marina Gateway with it's improved connectivity, and feel it all happened by accident. And we absolutely cannot ignore the chaos and confusion that has followed since Labour took control of the council. They have delivered nothing new and nationally have made things painful for so many of our residents. Whatever your views, the Conservatives delivered many millions of pounds worth of planned and funded schemes, something that Labour hasn't done for the town during its over 50 years of control..

Where once there was purpose, there is now politics. Where once there was vision, there is now vague talk and stalled progress. The energy we brought to Hartlepool is at risk of being replaced by indecision, internal squabbles, and reckless spending with little thought for long-term stability.

As Conservative Group Leader Councillor Mike Young put it:

We didn’t just shout from the sidelines — we built things. We rolled up our sleeves and made Hartlepool a priority again. The town deserved our best. And we gave it. We delivered and want to deliver again.

Now, our role is different. We will hold Labour to account — fiercely, fairly, and without apology. And we will continue reminding Hartlepool of what’s possible when a council believes in delivery over drama.

Highlight wasn’t just a building — it was a turning point. The test now is whether those who inherited that momentum know what to do with it.

You trusted us to deliver one of the most visionary periods of the Councils history - you can absolutely trust us again. Look at the regernation happening and still to come from Conservatives hard work, and think about what Labour will do with the same responsibility.