Daniel Holland

Reform UK retained the Throckley, Walbottle and Newburn seat in a Newcastle City Council by-election. Martin Evison won with 901 votes, ahead of Liberal Democrat Stephen Kelly on 670 and Labour’s Linda Wright on 534; the Greens and Conservatives received 103 and 101 respectively. The result restored Reform as the council’s second-largest party with 24 of 78 seats, behind the Liberal Democrats’ 25, while the Greens remained influential in supporting the Lib Dem minority administration. The 33% turnout and the Liberal Democrats’ sharp increase in vote share were notable, while Labour failed to make an anticipated recovery after losing council control and being reduced to two councillors in May.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has distributed 15,700 free books to more than 3,000 children in Newcastle. Launched locally by Newcastle City Council as a pilot for newborns, the scheme provides one book each month until children turn five and has since been expanded to include more children born through April 2027, as well as eligible families who moved into the city. Council member Wendy Taylor and Andy Burnham praised Parton’s contribution to literacy following news of her death, saying the programme’s impact is expected to benefit families and children for generations.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds acknowledged that the A1 through Northumberland is below the standard expected for a major transport corridor and accepted the road’s safety and economic case for dualling. However, he stopped short of promising government backing, citing pressure on the roads budget from increased defence spending. The route’s proposed £500 million Morpeth-to-Ellingham upgrade was cancelled in 2024, despite £68.4 million already being spent on preparations. Following six deaths in three crashes, Northumberland County Council, local political leaders and a ChronicleLive-backed coalition are renewing calls to dual the A1 to the Scottish border, while Andy Burnham has suggested exploring alternative funding arrangements.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds indicated that the UK Government’s zero-emission vehicle mandate could be weakened after pressure from Nissan and other carmakers. The current requirement is due to rise from 33% of new car sales this year to 80% by 2030, before the planned 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel cars, but a review could reduce the 2030 target to 50%. The Government says regulatory changes are needed to remain internationally competitive and protect automotive jobs, including Nissan’s Sunderland plant. Environmental groups warn that weakening the mandate would slow EV adoption, increase household fuel costs and undermine climate goals.

The North East will receive approximately £445 million from the UK’s Social and Affordable Homes Programme to support around 3,400 council, social and affordable homes across Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, and County Durham. The funding is part of a 10-year, £39 billion national programme, with at least 60% of homes intended for social rent. North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said it would help address waiting lists, homelessness and unsuitable accommodation, where nearly 43,000 households in the region are affected. The investment complements a separate £143 million allocation intended to unlock 4,600 additional homes by 2030, while the government pursues a wider target of 1.5 million new homes during the current Parliament.