Dear Resident,

Firstly, a happy New Year and I hope 2025 proves to be a good year for you and your family.

Some news on my activities-

Following the election, I thought it sensible to take some time out and reflect on the election result and where we go from here.

It was a privilege to represent Carlisle for 14 years and I am proud of the contribution I have made towards improving our city. In all over £600million of investment has been or is coming into the city. This includes the southern ring road which will open later this year, the garden village and most importantly the University development.

At the national level I fully understand the frustration people had with the last Government, particularly in recent years.

I have been very surprised with the new governments lack of preparation for government and the catalogue of mistakes and poor decisions which they have made so far.

However, my priority is now to look to the future with new ideas and initiatives as I can only do what is within my powers.

Skills Fair

I am delighted that I will be hosting the 11th Carlisle Skills Fair on the 23rd of January. A big thank you to the college for helping facilitate the event. There will be over 80 businesses in attendance, and we have a waiting list. This does demonstrate the popularity of the event but also its importance to local businesses. I look forward to seeing the many many students and interested parties attending the Fair.

True North – Think Tank

Over the last few years much has been debated about how the North can improve. The last government brought in devolution ideas with Elected Mayors and the levelling up agenda – which had some success but more needs to be done. Hopefully, the new government will continue down this path. Nevertheless, the debate was often dominated by Manchester/Leeds with less involvement from the Northeast or Cumbria. It was therefore thought that there was a gap where a small think tank could look at issues which affect what I call the True North – the Northeast and Cumbria – home to over 3 million people with some very important industries. I am pleased to be taking this forward.

Devolution

It looks like the Government will pursue the devolution agenda which is to be welcomed. Here in Cumbria, we should have embraced it back in 2014 when we could have maximised the benefits. But if we do finally accept devolution there should be some direct benefits to the county not least, we will be able to sit at the table with all the other mayors from the North of England. Better late than never.

I believe I can still make a contribution to our city and region and I look forward to doing so over the next few months and years.

With very best wishes.

John Stevenson