The results from the latest elections across the North East are now settling in. As with every election, some people will be pleased with the outcome while others will be disappointed. There will be relief in some places, frustration in others, and many people still trying to work out what these results could mean for their communities moving forward.
What remains important now is the responsibility that comes with leadership.
Across the region, newly elected councillors, mayors and representatives are stepping into roles that will directly shape people’s lives. The decisions made over the coming months and years will affect communities already navigating inequality, rising pressures and growing division in different forms.
For us as a movement, we hope anti-racism remains part of those conversations and decisions, not as an afterthought, but as something recognised as essential to building fairer and stronger communities. That includes continuing to challenge antisemitism, Islamophobia and the wider racism experienced by racialised communities across the North East.
Over recent months, we have seen encouraging signs that more organisations and individuals are willing to engage with this work openly. Through public meetings, roundtables, research conversations and the growing support for Become the Bridge, there is a clear sense that many across the region understand the need to move beyond statements and towards meaningful action.
That momentum matters.
It matters because the North East is changing. Our communities are diverse, connected and shaped by people from many different backgrounds and experiences. People want to feel safe where they live. They want fairness in their workplaces, schools, services and communities. They want to know that when racism happens, it is acknowledged rather than ignored.
Political differences will always exist, and people will continue to disagree on policies, priorities and direction. But there should still be common ground in rejecting hate, division and racism in all its forms.
As new leaders begin their roles, we hope they lead with care, fairness and an understanding that the choices they make will impact real people across the region. We also hope the conversations continue beyond the elections themselves.
Our next public meeting takes place next month and remains open to anyone wanting to be part of shaping a North East where anti-racism stays visible, active and community-led.
You can book your place here.