TL;DR – Ian McAndrew’s Priorities for Seaham

• Tackle crime and antisocial behaviour by working with local police and ensuring accountability.
• Fix our roads and improve transport, including better rail services and pothole repairs.
• Support local businesses and scrap parking charges to boost the high street and create jobs.
• Cut council waste and keep Council Tax low, focusing spending where it actually matters.
• Invest in schools and youth opportunities to build a stronger future for Seaham’s next generation.

As Seaham approaches the local elections on 1st May, residents are being asked to make a crucial decision: who will best represent the town’s interests, fight for its future, and deliver real results on the ground?

Ian McAndrew, the Conservative candidate for Seaham, is offering voters a clear and practical vision built on local knowledge, decades of leadership experience, and a genuine passion for the community. Having been born and raised in Seaham before going on to become an award-winning chef, author, and business owner, Ian brings a unique combination of hometown roots and proven professional success to the role.

Now retired and settled back in County Durham, Ian is ready to serve the community that shaped him — and he’s determined to make sure Seaham doesn’t get left behind. Here’s how he plans to do it.

1. Safer Streets: Tackling Crime and Antisocial Behaviour
   Public safety isn’t just a talking point — it’s a fundamental part of community wellbeing. Whether it’s vandalism, fly-tipping, or more serious antisocial behaviour, these problems wear away at confidence, discourage investment, and affect day-to-day life.

Ian is committed to working in close partnership with Durham Police and Neighbourhood Wardens to ensure that crime and disruption are not just reported — they’re resolved. That means real consequences for repeat offenders, increased visibility of enforcement teams, and better communication between the council and the police.

He also believes in holding the Police Commissioner to account, ensuring Seaham receives its fair share of policing resources. Residents deserve a town where families feel safe, businesses can thrive, and public spaces are respected. Under Ian’s watch, community safety will be treated as a top priority — not a background concern.

2. Smarter Spending: Cutting Waste, Keeping Council Tax Low
   For too long, councils across County Durham have been plagued by poor financial management. Under Labour leadership, millions of pounds were squandered on vanity projects and inefficient schemes, while frontline services suffered.

Ian believes that every pound of taxpayer money should be spent wisely. That means identifying and cutting waste, simplifying bureaucracy, and making sure investments deliver clear returns for residents. It also means ensuring Council Tax stays as low as possible, so households aren’t squeezed further during a cost-of-living crisis.

He’s not promising the world — just sensible, focused leadership that prioritises what matters: essential services, clean streets, public safety, and a well-maintained town. By getting the basics right and budgeting responsibly, Ian will help put Seaham’s finances back on track.

3. Fixing Roads and Improving Transport Links
   Anyone who drives, cycles, or even walks around Seaham knows that our roads aren’t in the condition they should be. Potholes, uneven surfaces, and poor lighting are not just annoying — they’re dangerous and costly.

Ian is determined to invest in proper road repair and long-term maintenance, rather than the short-term patchwork that’s become all too familiar. Working with both the local authority and police, he also wants to see traffic calming measures introduced where needed, particularly in residential areas, to improve safety for all road users.

But roads are just one part of the transport picture. Ian also wants to strengthen rail services to and from Seaham, making it easier for residents to commute, connect with the wider region, and bring in more visitors. A better-connected Seaham is a more vibrant, economically resilient town — and that’s a goal worth fighting for.

4. Supporting Local Businesses and Growing the Economy
   As someone who built and ran multiple successful restaurants, Ian knows what it takes to run a business — and he knows the challenges small enterprises face, especially in uncertain economic times.

He’s passionate about creating the conditions in which local businesses can flourish. That includes scrapping unnecessary parking charges, which put off customers and stifle high street footfall. It also means encouraging investment in Seaham’s town centre and seafront, areas that hold huge potential for economic growth and tourism.

By championing small business needs and helping entrepreneurs navigate council red tape, Ian wants to revitalise the local economy, creating jobs and giving people more reasons to spend locally. He understands that a prosperous town is one that supports those who invest in it — and he’s ready to lead that support from the front.

5. A Fairer Deal for Seaham and County Durham
   For too long, County Durham has been overlooked when it comes to regional funding — with major cities like Newcastle often absorbing the lion’s share of investment and development. Ian is determined to change that.

He’ll work with the North East Combined Authority and regional stakeholders to ensure Seaham isn’t left behind. From infrastructure to education, Seaham deserves its fair share of funding and support — and Ian will push hard to bring more resources into the town.

This isn’t about playing politics. It’s about standing up for Seaham, making the case for fair treatment, and ensuring that decisions made at regional level reflect the needs of local people.

6. Investing in Education and Youth Opportunities
   Young people in Seaham deserve more than just a solid education — they deserve opportunities. Ian believes that supporting schools is only part of the solution. We also need to ensure there are real pathways to local jobs, skills training, and apprenticeships.

That’s why he’s committed to backing education funding and youth employment initiatives across County Durham. By creating strong links between schools, colleges, and local businesses, Ian wants to help the next generation build a future without having to leave the area to find work.

His own journey — from Seaham schoolboy to Michelin-starred chef — is proof that opportunity and determination can lead anywhere. But the groundwork needs to be in place. Ian wants to help build that foundation for the young people of Seaham.

7. Cleaner Streets, Stronger Services
   Beyond the headline policies, Ian understands that the quality of everyday life matters. That means ensuring streets are clean, bins are collected, pavements are maintained, and local services are delivered efficiently.

He wants to bring pride back to the basics — restoring a sense of care and order across the town. Whether it’s tackling fly-tipping, improving public green spaces, or supporting community hubs, Ian believes in delivering services that people see, use, and value.

This is about more than aesthetics. Clean, well-run neighbourhoods contribute to health, wellbeing, safety, and civic pride. Ian is committed to making that standard the norm across Seaham.

Why Ian?
Ian McAndrew is not a career politician. He’s someone who’s built things, led teams, balanced budgets, and dealt with real-world pressure. His campaign isn’t about party lines or political gamesmanship — it’s about delivering results for Seaham.

With a unique combination of business experience, local roots, and strategic thinking, Ian offers a practical and no-nonsense approach to local government. He listens, he acts, and he gets things done.

On 1st May, the people of Seaham have a chance to choose more than just a councillor — they can choose a champion for their town. Ian McAndrew is ready to serve, and ready to deliver.

Want to help Ian’s campaign?
If you share his vision for Seaham, there are plenty of ways to get involved. From volunteering to leaflet delivery to simply spreading the word, every bit of support makes a difference.

📧 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