Ben Clarke Hobson
Labour candidate for Chapel
Ben works at Jesmond Park Academy as a member of the school support staff and is also studying for a Physics degree, giving him a front-row view of the challenges facing young people and families in our community. He is passionate about improving local services, strengthening education, and creating real opportunities for everyone. He will champion STEM education, push for better support for neurodivergent young people, and work to make our council more responsive, fair, and forward‑thinking. His experience working in a Covid testing lab during the pandemic shaped his belief in strong public services, science and research and community resilience. Ben is committed to empowering young people, including supporting votes at 16, and ensuring every resident has a voice in shaping our future.
Where Ben fits into things
About the role
The responsibility of a councillor is to represent the people within a ward by making decisions on local services and other local issues.
What councillors do
- Make decisions on local services like housing, roads, and parks
- Represent residents' concerns at council meetings
- Help resolve local issues raised by constituents
- Set council budgets and local tax levels
How to influence
- Attend local council surgeries
- Write or email about local issues
- Attend public council meetings
- Join local community groups
Council
Newcastle upon Tyne