Conservative MP says ‘taps have been turned off for Teesside’ with Labour

Teesside’s last remaining Conservative MP, Matt Vickers, has accused the new Labour Government of neglecting the region, claiming that investment has stalled since the change in leadership. He argues that major government funding and projects that flourished under the Conservatives have now dried up. However, Labour has dismissed these claims, pointing to a major carbon capture and storage investment aimed at creating jobs in Teesside.

Vickers Criticizes Labour for Lack of Investment

Matt Vickers, MP for Stockton West, voiced his concerns that Teesside no longer has a strong representation in Government, leading to a halt in funding. Under the Conservative administration, Teesside saw:

 The UK’s first and biggest freeport
Treasury jobs relocated to Darlington
Levelling Up and Town Deal funding
Train station upgrades in Darlington, Middlesbrough, and Eaglescliffe
£57.5m investment in Stockton’s schools
Hospital upgrades at North Tees and James Cook hospitals

Vickers claims that Labour’s new Government has now “turned off the taps”, leaving vital infrastructure projects in limbo. He specifically pointed to the £1 billion infrastructure investment promised after the HS2 cancellation, which included:

• Restoration of the Transporter Bridge
• A new bus and train terminal at Teesside Park
• Upgrades to Thornaby station

He also criticized the lack of funding for a new hospital in Stockton, after clashing with Labour over the issue in Parliament.

Labour’s Response: “Teesside Was Left Behind Under the Tories”

Labour strongly rejected Vickers’ claims, arguing that the Conservatives failed to properly invest in Teesside over their 14 years in power. A Labour spokesperson hit back, stating:

“Teesside was hung out to dry during the 14 years Mr Vickers’ party was in Government. The ‘Levelling Up’ agenda was revealed to be nothing more than empty promises, while his pals partied during lockdown.”

Labour also highlighted their multi-billion-pound investment in carbon capture and storage, which they claim will boost the local economy and create jobs.

Teesside’s Changing Political Landscape

Following the 2024 General Election, Vickers is now Teesside’s sole Conservative MP. Most of the region’s newly elected Labour MPs are newcomers to Parliament, meaning none have yet been appointed to senior ministerial positions. However, Bridget Phillipson (Education Secretary) and Sir Alan Campbell (Government Chief Whip) represent the wider North East region in the Cabinet.

Teesside’s political landscape has shifted dramatically, with Labour regaining control of the region. While Matt Vickers argues that investment has stalled, Labour insists they are focused on long-term economic growth through carbon capture projects. The debate over Teesside’s future funding and infrastructure development is far from over, and the region will be watching closely to see whether Labour delivers on its promises.

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