Standing for the Labour Party in South Jesmond in May’s elections, Charlie Gray grew up locally and attended St Catherine’s School in Sandyford. He’s now a student in forensic science and works at Northumbria University.

Why stand in this year’s local election?

“I’ve been an active member of the Labour Party since joining in 2014. I’m committed to the party’s values of equality, justice, dignity and a fair deal for working people. My connection to the ward goes back as far as I can remember. My grandma and grandad both worked here, I went to St Catherine’s Primary School in Sandyford and attended the school’s summer play-schemes.

“I’ve been an active member of the local community since I was a teenager. I was a member of the Army Cadet Force at Heaton Manor and at Jesmond Army Reserve Centre for many years and I’ve taken part in community organised litter picks.”

How can you canvas opinion when there are Covid restrictions?

“I’ve missed getting out on the doors to speak to residents and attending community events. However, the South Jesmond Voice Facebook page keeps residents updated, responding to calls and emails. When restrictions have allowed, we’ve kept the community up to date with our print issues of South Jesmond Voice.

“The pandemic has proven to me just how important it is to get the opinions of all residents on issues that affect the community. Speaking to residents face to face is the best way of finding out the community’s views and I look forward to when we will be able to safely carry out face to face activities. In the meantime, I’d encourage residents to let me know if they have any ideas on how we can stay in contact with residents.”

How will your local experience help provide solutions across this community? 

“As a lifelong resident of Newcastle and a student, I’ll be able to bridge the gap in the community. In addition to my own experiences, I’ve spoken to residents about issues such as bad landlords and inconsiderate neighbours. My understanding of the different perspectives of these issues will help when looking for solutions.

“I currently represent Young Workers on the general council of the TUC, ensuring the experiences of young workers are heard. The experiences I have gained in representing workers as a trade unionist will stand me in good stead if elected as a councillor for South Jesmond.”

What are you most passionate about changing in Jesmond?

“I want to be a part of the South Jesmond team that fights for the best deal for our community and our city, that tackles the climate crisis, creates new jobs, supports local businesses and stands up for the most vulnerable in our society.

“I’ve listened to issues residents are passionate about and the suggestions to make the community an even better place to live. It’s important that even with the backdrop of a decade of austerity and COVID-19, we continue to find solutions to these issues. The budget that the Government announced continues to let down our city. There was nothing for our key workers, our NHS, our NHS workers, our police, to fix social care, our schools, our teachers and ultimately nothing for Newcastle.”

“Regarding Low Traffic Neighbourhoods, I believe it’s important that the community is able to safely enjoy local streets whilst still allowing access for vehicles. I want to keep residents in the loop about what’s going on and reassure residents that there’ll be opportunities for them to feedback on the scheme.”

How has the pandemic influenced your stance on community safety?

“Both long term members of the community and student residents have pulled together to support each other. Residents have been in contact with the South Jesmond Labour team and pointed out that the selfish behaviours of some households has caused misery for others. Letting residents know about the work that their local Labour team has done to find solutions is a really important step in promoting community cohesion.

“During the pandemic, services for survivors of domestic abuse have reported an increase in those needing help. Lockdowns have trapped survivors in their home with their abuser, as well as isolating them from their friends, family, colleagues and wider support networks. I want to highlight the issue to let survivors know that they aren’t alone and to raise awareness. In particular, we wanted to let residents know about a codeword scheme that local pharmacies have signed up to. By asking for ANI [Action Needed Immediately], a trained pharmacy worker will offer you a private space where you can talk about what’s happening to you and get support.

“Our Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness has also been working on a Domestic Abuse Workplace Champions scheme. For some, the easing of restrictions and returning to work could be a crucial moment to get out. We all have our part to play in ending domestic abuse.”

And any advice on voting safely this year?

“I’d like to take this opportunity to ask residents to get signed up to a postal vote. It’s easy, quick and safe. Residents can apply for a postal vote at postalvote.labour.org.uk. I want to keep both residents and polling station staff safe. As well as ensuring that if residents are unable to vote on polling day itself that they don’t lose their voice. Residents can contact me at Charlie.Gray@NewcastleLabour.org.uk to let me know their views, issues and also what they think is going well in the community.”

You can meet and quiz all the local election candidates when JesmondLocal hosts a Zoom version of its traditional local election hustings on Tuesday May 4th from 7:30pm to 9:30pm.

This online event is free, but to be able to attend, you must register. Details of the Zoom link and passcode will be emailed to all registrants just a couple of hours before the event begins. We will also be emailing registrants with details of how they can put their questions to the candidates.

To get your free ticket, register here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/jesmond-local-election-hustings-2021-online-tickets-152269302583