✅ TL;DR – Why I’m Running

• I was born and raised in Seaham — this town made me who I am
• After a successful career elsewhere, I’m now retired and back home
• I have the time, drive, and skills to make a difference
• I’m standing to represent Seaham honestly and full-time — no party games, no empty promises
• If you believe Seaham deserves better, I’d be proud to have your vote

It’s not every day you decide to run for public office. And if you’d told me five years ago that I’d be standing in a County Council election, I’m not sure I would have believed you.

But here I am. And the reason is simple: Seaham is home — and I want to do something meaningful for it.

Where It All Started

I was born in Seaham. My earliest memories are here — from my time at Dawdon Infants, to afternoons at Camden Square School, to the house just off Princess Road, across from the cemetery.

Back then, life was simpler — but it was also the foundation of everything I’ve become. The values I learnt here stayed with me: hard work, loyalty, fairness, and the sense that community really means something.

A Life Lived Beyond Seaham — But Always Anchored To It

As a young man, I moved away. I built a career in the hospitality industry — working in kitchens, managing restaurants, mentoring staff, and eventually running my own successful businesses.

I worked internationally, wrote books, and met people from all walks of life. I experienced challenges and successes I never expected. But wherever I went, Seaham was always in my heart. It shaped how I approached everything — with no nonsense, sleeves rolled up, and pride in a job well done.

Now I’m retired. And there’s only one place I ever imagined coming back to.

Why Now? Because I Can — and Because I Care

I’ve never had political ambitions. I’m not a party loyalist. I’ve worked with people from across the political spectrum. But I’ve always believed that when you can do something good, you should.

Now that I’ve got the time, experience, and energy — I want to do exactly that.

This isn’t about career. It’s not about ego. It’s about doing my bit, in a town I care deeply about, at a time when I believe fresh thinking is desperately needed.

What I See When I Walk Through Seaham

When I walk through Church Street, when I drive along the coast road, or when I sit with friends in a local café, I see a town with incredible potential — but also one that’s been overlooked for too long.

I see:

• A high street that deserves support, not neglect
• Roads that need fixing, not patching
• Young people with talent, but not enough opportunity
• Families who feel like no one’s really listening to them

That’s why I’m standing. Not to tick boxes or make promises I can’t keep — but to use my time, my skills, and my commitment to actually get things done.

No Drama, No Pretence — Just Honest Representation

I won’t pretend I have all the answers. But I know how to lead, how to listen, and how to make decisions. I’ve managed businesses. I’ve worked with government departments. I know what accountability looks like. And I know that you don’t need to be loud to be effective — you just need to care, and show up consistently.

That’s what I promise to do.

This Isn’t Nostalgia. It’s Purpose.

This isn’t about going back to the past — it’s about building a future where Seaham gets the attention, support, and respect it deserves.

It’s about making this town the kind of place your kids will want to stay in, where families feel safe, businesses thrive, and the streets reflect the pride we all feel deep down.

And if that sounds like something worth fighting for — I hope you’ll give me the chance to do exactly that.

📧 Get in touch: Drop me a line
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Let’s make Seaham stronger — together.

Promoted by Tom Baker on behalf of Ian McAndrew at Conservative Office, Creative Business Park, Riverside Ind Est.. Langley Park, Durham, DH7 9TY