Labour isn’t focused on the second, preferring to blame others for problems, and too many of its activists aren’t the first, either.
This region contains a string of those ‘Labour Leave’ seats which are central to the Tory strategy – but will the Brexit Party trip them up?
In the second piece in our three-part mini-series, the Mayor tells ConservativeHome that freeport status can transform the area.
The Prime Minister’s full speech, delivered in Middlesbrough today.
Continuing our ConservativeHome series on the key contests in each region or nation.
All the latest news of shortlists and selections from right across the country.
Plus: shortlists for Middlesbrough South and Wakefield; and, new selections and nominations in key target seats across the country.
We can’t win a workable majority without breaking through in more seats in the urban and suburban North and Midlands.
The results here find the Tories struggling to break through, but also a strong indication of the rewards should they do so.
The latest piece in our series on the marginals features some intense battles – including Stockton South.
The first in a three-part ConHome mini-series on the Tory revival in the area since the Mayoral election of last May.