Saltwell

Councillor Leanne Brand

Phone: 0191 433 2074 / 07525802688

Email: cllr.lbrand@gateshead.gov.uk

I have lived in Saltwell for 8 years, and was elected in 2023 after 3 years of campaigning for a better ward. I am passionate about reaching out to the community and working to make sure that Saltwell’s unique needs are represented at council.

Outside of my role as Councillor, I work as a Customer Focus Manager in the energy sector.

Activist Edita Petrylaite

Email: hello@gatesheadlibdems.org.uk

I have lived in Gateshead for over 10 years and have witnessed and experienced the same challenges as other residents in this ward and beyond. I share the same concerns as the wider Saltwell community. I want Gateshead to prosper and become a town that attracts rather than drives people away — a town that creates opportunities for everyone: local residents, businesses, and visitors from near and far.

I am passionate about making Gateshead a great place to live and work again, and have been reporting a wide range of issues over the years: from fly-tipping and dirty streets to public safety and the reliability of public transport services. I have been an active voice within the  Gateshead Liberal Democrats Focus’  team over the past two years, working alongside the rest of the team to keep the Saltwell community informed about the work Gateshead Liberal Democrats do and achieve for the betterment of everyone.

I am someone who acts rather than simply talks. I hold several degrees, including a PhD in Business and Management and work as an academic. My qualifications and professional achievements are a testament to the hard work and dedication I bring to everything I set my mind to.

Activist Jamie Rickelton

Email: hello@gatesheadlibdems.org.uk

Working in people-centric businesses Jamie believes in people doing what they can for the betterment of the area they are in. A strong advocate for people and unions, a former member of USDAW and the CWU, Jamie wants to ensure that his constituents voices are heard, listened to and acted upon as should be the case in the democratic United Kingdom. Jamie understands the need of giving the people the right to demand better for themselves, their area and their country. 

Jamie has also contributed to The Hexham Courant, The Journal and Steffen Peddie's BBC Radio Newcastle Late Show and holds a degree in Business Management.

Jamie's passionate about the environment working to better the North East green spaces for all, supporting the green transition to tackle climate change via promotion of initiatives such as green energy generation and Net Zero transport.

Jamie has also been a candidate for MP in Jarrow and Gateshead East.