MAYOR ELECTION: Hugh Jackson (UKIP) - candidate statement

An election for the North of Tyne Combined Authority Mayor will be held on Thursday, May 2, 2019. To help you make your decision, each candidate has made a policy statement. This is what Hugh Jackson, standing for UKIP, says.
Hugh Jackson, UKIPHugh Jackson, UKIP
Hugh Jackson, UKIP

'Corbridge-born, raised in Gateshead and gained my degree in Newcastle.

I was the first Regular Army Officer to go straight to the RAOC, where I enjoyed a lot of valuable experience in management and change.

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On leaving the Army, my family and I moved back to ‘home’ in North Tyneside.

I then joined the TA and served until 1991 in 101 Regiment Royal Artillery.

Next, I went into teaching and then I was elected to North Tyneside Council for several years.

As Mayor, I want to encourage industries in the area to provide design, training and manufacturing.

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To support small businesses everywhere, making us the epicentre of engineering and manufacturing excellence for the 21st century.

This will require a wide, deep and varied 18-plus training scheme to the highest standards.

A boost and investment in our fishing industry, from the Tyne to the Tweed is needed; achieved by making it viable, sustainable and capable of taking full advantage of the benefits of Brexit, stimulating shipbuilding on the Tyne and Coquet.

We need a transport system fit for the 21st century, which not only serves the needs of the economy but those of passengers in urban and rural areas.

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I am keen to evaluate ‘trackless trams’. These are a new and very successful concept that could use the derelict railway lines as well as other routes that criss-cross our area. They are far cheaper to introduce than traditional light rail transit systems and could provide a rapid and expandable solution now to our increasing needs.

We must move away from our outmoded and failing political agendas.

With vision and by working together, I believe we will forge a bright and prosperous future for our region. That is what I will strive to achieve.'

The other candidates are: Dr John Appleby (Lib Dem); Jamie Driscoll (Lab); Charlie Hoult (Con); John McCabe (Ind). Click on their names for their statements.