As Mayor, Kim has dedicated herself to building a North East that leads the way in tackling climate change with policies that improve lives.
Her commitment extends beyond achieving net zero, focusing on creating a region where everyone has access to a good home, whether rented or owned, and where a well-paid, skilled workforce is supported by strong trade unions.
Kim’s economic vision for the North East is built on three key pillars: strengthening the foundational economy, spearheading a green jobs revolution, and using regional pride as an economic driver through investment in arts, music, culture, and sport. One of her major goals is to create the greenest public transport network in the UK, starting with a better bus system that aligns with her vision for safe, reliable, affordable, and publicly owned transportation.
Before becoming Mayor, Kim served as Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for the Northumbria force area. In that role, she emphasized crime prevention and neighborhood support through her strategic policing plan, Fighting Poverty, Fighting Crime. She championed investment in youth services to improve life chances and was instrumental in establishing the region’s first Violence Reduction Unit, which funded Sure Start-style services to support families and young people. Kim also led efforts to combat Violence Against Women and Girls, introducing a pioneering domestic abuse policy that placed DA specialists in police call centers.
Kim is married to David, a serving RAF officer, and lives in Northumberland with their two dogs.
