The party has selected a local candidate to win back what was one of only a few Conservative footholds in the North East.
Shopping online will remain a popular choice. But reforming Business Rates is the best way of helping hostelries and independent retailers.
In the second piece in our three-part mini-series, the Mayor tells ConservativeHome that freeport status can transform the area.
Yesterday, I wrote to the Chancellor with the support of 50 of the biggest and most established businesses in the Tees Valley, to call for a pilot scheme.
Business growth is the priority.
A 58 per cent rise in the tax over the last two decades should serve as a warning against further hikes.
The first in a three-part ConHome mini-series on the Tory revival in the area since the Mayoral election of last May.