Meet the candidate: Stephen Kelly for Throckley, Walbottle and Newburn

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 09:25:52 +0100

Stephen Kelly: the strong voice we need for Throckley, Walbottle and Newburn

Stephen grew up in Throckley on Westway and later Tillmouth Park Road. His family live locally. He's committed to getting the best for our area, an area he knows and understands.

Stephen is not a career politician.

"I got involved with the Lib Dems locally in Newcastle because they were the only ones I saw out in the community fighting for residents," said Stephen. "The Lib Dems are now running the council. We have a unique opportunity to get more for Throckley, Walbottle and Newburn. If elected I will get a seat at that table and push for local priorities. "I'm proud of my roots here. I have worked hard all my life to provide for my family and now want to give back to the place that gave me so much. I am determined to be the strong local voice we deserve," he concluded.

This isn't about politics for me. It's about standing up for the place I grew up.
Stephen Kelly

THE LOCAL LAD FIGHTING FOR US

Stephen is all about pride in place and wants to get a fair deal for Throckley, Walbottle and Newburn. Stephen said: "I had my 21st party at the Grange Welfare Club. My mother literally sold the bricks to get it built and worked there until she retired.

We were devastated when it closed in 2024. "It really is personal for me. I went to Throckley Infant School and Walbottle High School, and worked at Throckley Union Jack Club as a pot lad (glass collector).

"Like all of us, I want the best for our area. Labour have let us down after years of neglect. This by-election gives us a chance to put our area first and get the change we all deserve."

Back Stephen Kelly and the Liberal Democrat plan for our area

1. FIXING ROADS AND POTHOLES

Local people are sick of crumbling roads and dangerous potholes.
The new Lib Dem led council is looking at ways to increase spending on road re-surfacing rather than just filling potholes. Stephen will ensure that work is focussed on Throckley, Walbottle and Newburn.

2. PROTECTING PARKS AND GREEN SPACES

The Lib Dems on Newcastle City Council are committed to protecting and improving parks and green spaces for all of us.
Stephen knows how important outside spaces like the Dene are to local people. He's committed to getting a fair deal for our local parks and green spaces.

3. TACKLING THE COST OF LIVING

As the cost of living crisis continues, and people struggle to make ends meet, the Lib Dems have launched an Essential Energy Guarantee to lower bills and help the most vulnerable.
Stephen and the Lib Dems are leading the campaign to lower enegry bills and make life more affordable for people.

MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT: ONLY LIB DEM STEPHEN CAN BEAT REFORM

In May's local elections the Lib Dems became the largest party on the Council and took control. This result shows that only the Lib Dems can beat Reform in Newcastle.

Whilst Farage is under investigation over a £5 million gift from a billionaire donor, Stephen, a true 'man of the people' is out fighting for the place he grew up, the place where his family live.

The only way to make your vote count at this by-election is to back Stephen and the Liberal Democrats in Throckley, Walbottle and Newburn.

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Help us Win

By-election called in Throckley, Walbottle and Newburn ward

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 11:20:54 +0100

Just over two months after being elected, the Reform councillor for Throckley, Walbottle and Newburn has resigned, forcing a by-election that will cost local taxpayers over £20,000.

Reform are taking the people of the Outer West for granted.

The Liberal Democrats are now running Newcastle as the largest party in the city, and we are ready to deliver for you. Labour are a busted flush with just two councillors left in the city. Only the Lib Dems can beat Reform and stand up for Newcastle.

Leader of the Newcastle Liberal Democrats, Colin Ferguson, commented on the upcoming by-election:

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In six weeks’ time, the residents of Throckley, Walbottle and Newburn have the opportunity to elect a dedicated, hard-working community champion who will:

Stand up for Throckley, Newburn, and Walbottle every single day.
Back our Administration’s plans for record investment in frontline services.
Prioritise local communities and ensure your voice is heard at the Civic Centre.

You deserve a councillor who is 100% committed to you, for now and for the long haul.

How you can help

We're grateful for any help in fighting this crucial campaign - let us know below if you can volunteer and what you might be able to do. You can also help fund the campaign!

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