Linda Arkley

"As the only woman in the race to be Mayor, I will offer something unique. I have worked as a NHS Health Visitor, led local government and I have brought people together to get things done."

"Past battles and political Punch and Judy shows are not for me. I will build a bridge to the brilliant future we all have- the right leader at the right time doing the right things. That leader is me."

"We have a proud and remarkable history. Home to world class engineering and the hard sweat of workers who built the Industrial Revolution of the past. We have the expertise, passion and talent to be world leaders in the fourth Industrial Revolution of hi-tech, digital and new skilled jobs."

"My campaign is unashamedly forward thinking and ambitious. So, let me tell you what the North of Tyne area will be like after I have been Mayor for five years. We will be the home of more and better jobs. We will be the home of Educational Excellence. We will be the home of thriving businesses. We will be the home of Better local Transport. We will be the home of Ambition."

"I will bring out the best in people , business and communities. I will appoint a Town Centre Tsar with real powers and money to make sure our town centres thrive despite on-line competition."

"I will create a Community Champion for Voluntary and Charity organisations - they bring out the best in us all. Companies and communities need to be partners to address the challengers we face."

"I will have a respected Business Ambassador working with me to promote our area and bring in new business through creating my Enterprise Areas and Business Zones. My plan will offer companies the opportunity to relocate from around the world and the UK, promoting all that is best about our people and place. I will also help our existing businesses thrive"

"Education and skills will improve massively. I will get a deal with government to allow our schools and teachers to offer world class learning. I will develop a North of Tyne curriculum fit for the needs of the future. There will be a link between the classroom and the work place. I will learn from the best to make us even better."

"I will not support congestion charging. Newcastle’s plans will kill off the city. I will demand better investment in transport and I want to bring in a one stop travel Oyster Card -like London, for North of Tyne."

"Brexit concerns business. I will offer support packages, and will lead Britain’s first Brexit Boost Area. Open for business to the world."

"My Tourism Tsar will boost visitors."

"I will bring a new generation of Council Housing. World class homes and local companies to build them. Homes with Ambition."

"Coun Nick Forbes got it right when he said about the Mayoral Election, ”This is no time for a novice”. I agree with Nick."