Meet Monument Ward's New Elected Councillors

Newcastle's Monument Ward has entered a new political era following the 2026 local elections, with voters electing three Green Party councillors to represent one of the city's most high-profile wards.

The election was one of the most closely watched contests across Newcastle, not only because Monument sits at the heart of the city centre, but also because it featured one of the region's best-known political figures, former North of Tyne Mayor Jamie Driscoll. Alongside Gareth Jones and Kiran Sayyed, Driscoll secured election as part of a Green Party clean sweep in a ward that covers Newcastle's commercial centre, universities, shopping districts and thousands of city centre residents.

Their election comes during a period of significant political change across Newcastle. The 2026 elections resulted in no overall control, with the Liberal Democrats becoming the largest group on the council and later agreeing a working arrangement with the Greens to provide stability in the Civic Centre.

For residents and businesses across Monument Ward, the arrival of three new councillors marks the beginning of a new chapter for one of Newcastle's busiest and most recognisable neighbourhoods.

Who are Monument Ward's new councillors.

Jamie Driscoll.

Jamie Driscoll is undoubtedly the highest-profile of the three newly elected councillors.

Well known across the North East, he previously served as the elected Mayor of the North of Tyne Combined Authority between 2019 and 2024. Before entering politics, he worked in engineering and software development before becoming involved in Labour politics.

Following disagreements over his political future, Driscoll left Labour before joining the Green Party in late 2025. His decision attracted national attention and made his Monument Ward campaign one of the most closely followed council contests in England.

In the election, Driscoll topped the Monument poll with 1,100 votes, the highest individual total in the ward.

Throughout the campaign, he focused on affordable housing, investment in public transport, tackling inequality and supporting local businesses, while arguing that Newcastle should play a leading role in creating a greener regional economy.

Gareth Jones.

Joining Driscoll is Gareth Jones, another Green Party representative who secured election with 1,015 votes.

Although less well known nationally, Jones has developed a strong reputation within Newcastle's Green Party and local community campaigning. His work has focused on improving neighbourhood services, encouraging active travel, increasing green spaces and supporting sustainable development across the city centre.

Monument Ward presents unique challenges compared with many other parts of Newcastle. Alongside permanent residents, the ward includes thousands of students, office workers, shoppers and visitors every day, creating issues around waste management, transport, licensing, housing and public safety.

Jones has argued that improving everyday services while maintaining the city's economic vitality will remain one of his priorities.

Kiran Sayyed.

The third successful Green candidate is Kiran Sayyed, who secured election with 959 votes, completing the party's clean sweep of the ward.

Sayyed has campaigned on issues including community engagement, equality, environmental sustainability and improving opportunities for younger residents.

As one of Newcastle's newest councillors, she joins the authority at a time when local government faces significant financial pressures while continuing to deliver services ranging from social care and housing to highways, libraries and environmental management.

Working alongside two experienced colleagues gives Monument Ward a team combining regional political experience with community-focused representation.

What makes Monument Ward unique.

Monument Ward is unlike almost any other ward in Newcastle.

It includes Grey Street, Northumberland Street, Grainger Market, Haymarket, Chinatown, Eldon Square, Newcastle University and much of the city's commercial and cultural heart.

The ward also contains a rapidly growing residential population as more apartments continue to be developed in the city centre.

According to the election results, Monument Ward had an electorate of 6,449 people, with 2,087 ballot papers issued, producing a turnout of 32.4 percent. A total of only nine ballot papers were rejected, reflecting a high level of valid participation.

Although turnout was broadly in line with many urban local elections, it also means that almost seven out of ten eligible voters did not participate, something political parties of every persuasion will seek to address in future elections.

A changing political landscape.

The Monument result reflected wider political changes across Newcastle.

The Green Party won all three Monument seats while also making gains elsewhere, finishing with 24 councillors across the city. The Liberal Democrats emerged as the largest party with 25 seats, Reform UK also secured 24 seats, Labour won two seats, and three independents were elected. The outcome left Newcastle City Council with no overall control for the first time under the new boundaries.

That political balance means councillors from every party are likely to play an important role in shaping decisions affecting transport, housing, regeneration, planning and council finances.

The priorities facing the new councillors.

Representing Monument Ward means dealing with some of Newcastle's most complex local issues.

Residents regularly raise concerns about anti-social behaviour, late-night noise, litter, road maintenance, student accommodation, housing standards and public transport.

Businesses are equally focused on maintaining footfall, supporting tourism and ensuring Newcastle city centre remains an attractive destination for investment.

The area also welcomes millions of visitors every year. Newcastle city centre supports thousands of retail, hospitality and leisure jobs, making decisions taken by Monument's councillors important not only for residents but also for the wider North East economy.

Balancing economic growth with environmental improvements will be one of the biggest challenges facing the ward over the coming years.

What residents can expect.

As newly elected councillors, Driscoll, Jones and Sayyed will represent residents at full council meetings, planning committees, licensing hearings and local community discussions.

They will also deal with everyday constituent concerns including housing, highways, refuse collection, planning applications and environmental issues.

For many residents, these local responsibilities often have a more immediate impact than national politics.

The councillors will also help shape Newcastle's long-term future as the city continues investing in regeneration, sustainable transport, housing and economic development.

With Monument sitting at the centre of Newcastle's identity, the decisions made by its councillors are likely to influence how both residents and visitors experience the city for years to come.

Share your views.

What do you think should be the biggest priority for Monument Ward's new councillors?