Ben Houchen is the Mayor of the Tees Valley.
As the Conservative Party embarks on its next phase; a period of reflection and rebuilding, it is imperative that we look towards where we have been successful as a party. Teesside has become a prime example of how Conservative principles can be effectively translated into tangible outcomes that resonate with the electorate.
For the leadership contenders and the party at large, there are crucial lessons to be drawn from Teesside’s resurgence that can guide us in becoming a party of the future, for the future.
It’s the Economy, Stupid”
Clearly, as a party, we must refocus on our economic credibility and put our plans for the economy at the heart of everything we do across the policy spectrum. It is as true now as it was when first coined in the mid-nineties: “It’s the economy, stupid”.
The point need not be laboured, but it is obvious that whilst only a minority of people follow the ins and outs of Westminster nonsense, everybody has a stake in our economy. That is why we have to make it work. And when I say make it work, I mean move from a position of managed oversight, to actively making things better.
Teesside’s transformation, and our Conservative success, has hinged largely on a relentless focus on economic regeneration, creating good quality local jobs and attracting significant international investment. Everything we have done has focussed on investment and jobs.
However, the creation of the Teesside Freeport, the UK’s largest freeport, has been a cornerstone of this effort. This initiative has attracted significant investment, fostering a business-friendly environment that promotes growth and job creation. This is one of the most free-market policies ever rolled out in the UK, and yet it is being wholeheartedly embraced by communities who for decades have voted Labour and worked in unionised industries.
The lesson here is not that everybody has now been converted to the intellectual workings of Adam Smith or the Austrian school of economics, but rather that people are agnostic to the means, if the ends improve their day-to-day lives. Where it works, we must be unashamedly conservative. We will not be punished for following these polices where they deliver tangible benefits.
However, when I speak of pragmatic delivery, this logic must allow our party to follow alternative policies, which may not be traditionally linked with our economic thought, if they can bring positive change to our nation.
As we move forward, we will be judged on the results we deliver rather than the routes we take to get there. Therefore, to become successful again, we must continue to embrace the best of our ideas but remove the shackles of ideological dogma that can prevent these optimum outcomes. This led me on to where I believe Boris Johnson got things very right.
Boris was right!
Investment in infrastructure has been pivotal to Teesside’s growth. Whilst we must maintain fiscal discipline, it is paramount we commit ourselves to investing in the future of our nation.
In my area, the redevelopment of the Teesside International Airport and improvements in local transport networks, including the development of our major rail stations have not only created jobs, and boosted local pride, but have also enhanced the region’s attractiveness to investors.
Investing in the foundations of our future economy must be central in our contract with the people we hope to serve, and future Conservative leaders should prioritise infrastructure projects that drive economic growth, improve connectivity, and enhance the quality of life.
A focus on building and upgrading infrastructure will demonstrate our commitment to long-term, sustainable development and signal the ambition we have for the next generation growing up in the UK.
Empowering Local Leadership
One of the most significant aspects of Teesside’s success has been the devolution of power. Local leaders, who understand the unique challenges and opportunities of their regions, have been given the authority to drive change. This model of governance has proven highly effective, enabling tailored solutions that address local needs directly.
Our party should advocate for further devolution, empowering local leaders to take charge of their regions. By decentralising power, we can foster innovation and responsiveness, ensuring that policies are more attuned to the diverse needs of the country.
We must also look at the popularity of politicians from both the right and left, and their ability to achieve votes from beyond their base, where they have been given autonomy to make decisions and deliver on local priorities.
As a pragmatic party of the future, we must not fear policy divergence in regions across our country. Indeed we should embrace it. Whilst working within the parameters of our core conservative values, we should encourage local policy-making and trust that regional decisions can come together and combine into more than can be achieved by a one-size-fits-all approach that has for too long been the status quo.
Conservative delivery looks very different in Stockton than it does in Surry and we should accept this, embrace this, and allow for divergence in our offer to people.
A Vision of Optimism and Pragmatism
Finally, the success of Teesside underscores the importance of a clear, optimistic vision combined with pragmatic action. Our achievements have been grounded in a realistic understanding of our strengths and challenges, coupled with a bold vision for the future.
The next leader of our party must present a compelling vision that inspires hope and confidence, while also demonstrating a pragmatic approach to achieving that vision. By balancing aspiration with realism, ideology with pragmatism, and ambition with honesty we can offer a credible and inspiring alternative to the electorate.
Teesside’s story is one of transformation and renewal, driven by a commitment to economic regeneration, infrastructure investment, local decision-making, and pragmatic delivery. These principles ought to serve as a blueprint for the Conservative Party as we seek to rebuild trust, restore credibility, and position ourselves as a party for the future.