Craig Cottrell - Newcastle Council Candidate | Monument

About Craig Cottrell

I'm standing as an independent candidate for Newcastle city centre and the greater Monument ward because I believe local politics should be about people, not party lines. I live in the city centre and have strong ties across the local community, and beyond, I'm standing because I care deeply about the place we live and the people in it. I'm not here to make empty promises - I just want to help make things fairer, more transparent, and more responsive to the everyday concerns local residents and workers talk about but rarely see acted on.

I've spent over 20 years running a digital marketing and publishing business, so I understand both how to communicate clearly and the challenges local enterprises face in getting established and staying competitive. I support local minority-run businesses, help to promote community events, and use my skills to help local initiatives reach more people. I'm active in community meetings and events, listening to what really matters and doing what I can to support others doing good work.

My background also includes hands-on work in social care and community support, which means I've seen first-hand how broken systems affect real people - whether it's housing issues, youth services, access to local healthcare, or the barriers that prevent local entrepreneurs from contributing to our area's economy. I'm family-focused, care about animal welfare, and I believe that if we want things to change, we have to start by being present, listening properly, and working together.

This campaign isn't about promises I can't keep - it's about showing up, being honest, and trying to make council decisions more connected to real life in our area. If elected, I'll keep listening, keep pushing for practical improvements that help residents and the local businesses that serve them, and always stay rooted in the community I'm proud to be part of.

Building a Better Monument

These priorities come from listening to people right here in the city center and greater Monument ward - residents, families, and local business owners and workers - not from party lines or tick-box plans. I'm looking at things with fresh eyes, not tied to how it's always been done, and I want to focus on ideas that actually make life better for everyone who lives and works here.

Equal Access

Everyone should feel connected to decisions in our community. As a ward councillor I can push for clearer council updates, open new channels for residents' voices, and back local groups improving daily life for women, disabled people, families and our diverse neighbours across the ward - creating an environment where all community members can thrive.

Housing & Development

No one should live with damp or unsafe housing. As a ward councillor for Monument and the city center I'd push for regular inspections of council homes, stronger enforcement on private landlords, and quicker repairs so every resident has a safe, healthy place to call home. Quality housing attracts families and workers who strengthen our local economy.

Streets & Transport

From broken streetlights to overflowing bins, the small issues quickly add up. As your ward councillor I'll make it easier to report problems, ensure residents get clearer updates, and push for safer crossings, stronger pavements, and more reliable local buses - improvements that help everyone get around and make our area more welcoming for customers and visitors.

Health Services

Getting a GP or dental appointment shouldn't be this difficult. As a ward councillor I'll bring health services and community groups together to highlight gaps, push for better access, and work to secure more local support closer to where residents live - because healthy communities support thriving local economies.

Local Community

Monument and the Newcastle city center has real energy, but many local groups and small enterprises lack time and funding. As a ward councillor I'd push for longer-term support, give residents more say in how the ward budget is spent, and champion initiatives that protect valued community spaces while supporting local shops and services that keep our area vibrant.

Youth & Learning

Our young people and university students have huge potential, but too few safe places and limited pathways to local work. As a ward councillor I'll support more after-school clubs, press for better use of empty council spaces, and back youth and student activities that keep kids, teens and young adults confident, connected, safe and prepared for meaningful careers right here in Newcastle.

Support The Campaign

Your support helps us reach more residents, organize community events, and build the grassroots movement Monument needs. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a real difference in bringing fresh ideas and new thinking to local politics that works for families and local enterprises alike.

Make a Donation

Choose an amount below to donate securely via PayPal:

Or enter a custom amount:

Can't donate? You can still help by volunteering, spreading the word, or simply voting on 7 May 2026.

Share:

Stay Connected

Get campaign updates, local news, and be the first to know about community events, council decisions, and meetings that affect residents and local enterprises in Monument & the city centre.

Campaign Updates

Join our mailing list for regular updates on the campaign, local issues, and ways you can get involved in making positive change in our community - whether you're a resident, run a local business, or both.

I respect your privacy. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Reach Out

I'm standing to represent the city centre and the wider Monument Ward, and I want to listen now so I can act if elected. Whether it's about housing, transport, health services, youth opportunities, supporting local enterprises, or ideas for strengthening our community economy, your feedback will help shape my priorities. Please share your thoughts - every message matters.

Send Me a Message

Whether it's about local concerns, campaign questions, business challenges, or ideas for improving Monument, I'm here to listen. Every message helps me better understand what matters most to you, your family, and your work within our local community.

Refresh the code

Please enter the security code shown in the image above

I aim to respond to all messages within 24-48 hours.