Greg and Vince discuss North East's economy

4.20.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 19th Oct 2009

Newcastle East parliamentary spokesman Greg Stone met with Lib Dem Shadow Chancellor Vince Cable - the most popular politician in the country - at the weekend during Vince's visit to the North East.

Greg said "Vince has taken a close interest in the North East's economy since being the first to call for the nationalisation of Northern Rock, and has been particularly supportive of Lib Dem run Newcastle City Council's plans for tackling the impact of the recession locally, as well as our interventions in the housing market.

He and I discussed issues relating to One North East and the need to provide continued support for the region's economy, particularly at a time when the dominant employer in the region, the public sector, is likely to suffer cutbacks and at a time when the private sector business base of the region is still smaller than elsewhere in the country. We also discussed matters including public sector pay and pensions and the potential remutualisation of Northern Rock."

"Vince has paid several visits to the region over the past 18 months and he has taken particular note of the increasing success of the Lib Dems in the North East. I was delighted to receive his support for our campaign in Newcastle East and look forward to him visiting us again when the General Election is called."