Home / Updates / Paul Watson, Leader, Sunderland City Council and Vice Chair, North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

Paul Watson, Leader, Sunderland City Council and Vice Chair, North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

Comment from the North East LEP Chair, Andrew Hodgson.

“Paul was a true advocate for the North East and it is with sadness and thoughts for his family that we pay tribute to the huge contribution he has made to the North East over his years in public service.

“Paul was committed to improving the social and economic wellbeing of the region, working tirelessly with the North East LEP to realise the ambitions within our Strategic Economic Plan and play his part in creating a better future for the people of the North East.

“He believed in creating opportunities for all, be it in accessing education to improve skills or focussing on job creation , particular in advanced manufacturing for the region. He wanted people to achieve their personal ambitions in life to support themselves, their families and future generations.

He had a passion for the North East and the city of Sunderland, continually striving to improve the lives of the residents and conditions for businesses.

“ Paul worked tirelessly throughout his illness and will be sadly missed by his fellow board members, the Executive Team at the North East LEP, and me on a personal level.  Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.”