Mayor’s Question Time heads to university

Residents across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool are being invited to put their questions directly to Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen at a free public event in Middlesbrough.

Mayor Houchen will host his latest Mayor’s Question Time session at Teesside University’s Digital Life Building on Wednesday, November 4.

The event, taking place in the university’s Discovery Zone, will be independently chaired by former Evening Gazette editor Darren Thwaites, who will put questions submitted by audience members to the mayor.

Darren, who edited the Gazette between 2005 and 2011, later held senior roles at regional newsrooms including the Manchester Evening News.

He returned to Teesside in 2024 as a senior lecturer at the university, specialising in journalism, public affairs and communications.

The event is part of an ongoing series designed to give residents an opportunity to question the mayor on local issues, including employment, transport and investment.

It will also provide students with an opportunity to experience public debate and raise questions about decisions affecting the region.

Mayor Houchen said: “These events are about giving people the chance to ask me questions directly, whether that’s about jobs, transport, investment or anything else affecting their communities.

“It’s important that people can challenge me on the decisions we’re making and hear the answers for themselves.

“It’s great to be bringing Question Time to Teesside University, and I’m particularly keen to see students coming along and getting involved in the discussion.

“Whether you’ve got a particular issue you want to raise or just want to hear what’s happening across our region, come along and have your say.”

Doors open at 6.30pm ahead of a 7pm start.

Tickets are free but must be booked in advance, with one ticket permitted per email address. Attendees must also bring valid photo identification matching their booking details.

To book, click here.

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.