NOT so long ago, the chance of spotting a Government Minister in Darlington would have been like finding a decent red for under a tenner - they’re probably out there somewhere, like a fable, but no one can confirm a sighting.

But now you can’t even nip down to the indoor market, the Tomahawk Steakhouse or the Dolphin Centre bowling alley without bumping into the Chancellor of the Exchequer - he’ll be having a ‘Spoons breakfast on Skinnergate before too long...

But Rishi and his team are loving being in the North East, as he told me in a tiny room in Yarm last week.

‘’I say, I say, I say...How many Government officials can you get into the Yarm Town Hall council chamber?

‘About six, and two journalists!’

But at least Rishi had the electric fire on as we got our three questions answered in a rapid version of political speed-dating.

I was tempted to throw one of my three away by asking where he got his long coat from (probably used to be Gieves & Hawkes, but almost certainly Boyes now) but instead he talked very warmly about how the Treasury move has changed the dynamic of Government and people.

“There is enormous energy and optimism,” he tells me.

“Last week we went out bowling, which was a lot of fun, then out for a meal which was great.

“People are so excited about what this campus represents and they are excited about working there, so I’m there most weeks and Ministers are there on a very regular basis.

“What I’m loving is that, obviously it’s a start-up at the moment, but it will grow and as it does we are becoming part of the community and that is what I am really happy to see, as people go into town to the covered market for their lunch and get to know the team there.”

I have to say, he’s a nice guy.

He knows when he has to stick to the script (power cuts, masts) but when he gets the chance to freewheel he relishes it and at one point I was fairly sure he was going to ask me if I wanted a pint later.

Maybe next time.

“The Treasury team have been made to feel incredibly welcome, so my thanks to the people of Darlington for welcoming us all so warmly, as I knew they would do. We’re delighted to be able to grow together.”

Substantial improvements and added security at Feethams means they will be there in large numbers in their short-term home early next year, at about the same time as the location of the new Economic Campus is revealed and the new-build investment begins.

The Chancellor visited Yarm because it is one of the five places in the North East to receive a share of £100 million from the £1.7 billion first round of the Levelling Up Fund.

That’s the sharp end of Levelling Up - giving us the the money to make the difference we always knew we deserved.

See you for a steak on Friday, Chancellor?

 

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