Alistair Arkley column

Dec 21 2005 By Alistair Arkley, The Journal

If the old maxim that "a week is a long time in politics" holds true, then three-and-a-half years is an age.

Nobody should know that better than Stuart Drummond, erstwhile mascot of Hartlepool FC and now not only the one mayor in the North East re-elected with a vastly increased majority, but among the finalists for the World Mayor 2005.

Yes, it's true. Stuart, originally derided by virtually all the national media and many national politicians, was one of only two nominations from the United Kingdom - the other is London's Ken Livingstone - judged against mayors across the world, including cities such as New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Montreal, Beijing, Paris and Rome.

The winner was the Mayor of Athens Dora Bakoyannis but Stuart was singled out as one of four outstanding mayors of "smaller cities" deserving special mention.

I doubt that when Tony Blair and his Cabinet first came up with the idea of elected mayors they believed someone whose first election pledge was free bananas for all children in Hartlepool would now be in such impressive company. It's worth looking at why, with no political experience and no wish to become involved in party politics, Stuart has achieved so much.

Well, let's look at the comments at some of the people who nominated Stuart as World Mayor:

"Stuart Drummond has made a massive contribution to Hartlepool. His initiatives are the cornerstone of our community …"

"… a breath of fresh air for Hartlepool … he has reached out to young people, saying it's good to care about your community".

"He really listens to what the people of his town want … he has given townsfolk their pride back."

Stuart's success has not come from headline-grabbing stunts and promises, but remaining closely connected with the people of Hartlepool, not assuming he knows everything, but being prepared to listen and learn.

It is an approach which has delivered electoral success, boosting his majority from 603 to more than 10,000. His initiatives include Operation Cleansweep to tackle litter and anti-social behaviour and his council consistently gains an "excellent" rating from the Audit Commission.

So let's raise a cheer to a decent and modest man bringing credit not just to Hartlepool but the country.

Alistair Arkley is chairman of the Northern Business Forum and chairman of New Century Inns.