In this episode, Kim McGuinness, North East Mayor, was in conversation with Julie Elliott, the former MP for Sunderland Central.

In the wide-ranging discussion, the Mayor spoke about her experiences of using public transport growing up in the North East; her plans for franchising bus services and extending the Tyne and Wear Metro; improving safety for women and girls on the transport network; and how transport is an enabler - providing access to opportunities for all.

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About Kim McGuinness

Kim McGuinness is the first North East Mayor. She was elected on a manifesto dedicated to creating the infrastructure of opportunity, with a plan to end child poverty and create local, well-paid jobs across the region.

As Mayor, Kim has committed to creating a North East that goes beyond net zero with climate change policies that change lives, where there is a good home for everyone, whether you rent or own and a well-paid job enjoyed by a skilled workforce backed by strong trade unions.

Prior to becoming Mayor, Kim was Police and Crime Commissioner for the Northumbria force area. She made crime prevention and neighbourhood support a key feature of her strategic policing plan Fighting Poverty, Fighting Crime and has invested in youth services as a way of improving life chances for all.

As PCC, Kim oversaw the creation of the region’s first Violence Reduction Unit which saw investment in local Sure Start-style services as a way of supporting families and young people away from desperation and crime.

Kim has led locally on efforts to tackle Violence against Women and Girls, including her flagship domestic abuse policy of putting DA specialist into police call centres.

About Julie Elliott

Julie Elliott was the Member of Parliament for Sunderland Central from 2010 to 2024.