During his time as a Durham County Councillor, Luke earned a reputation as one of the most effective and determined voices in County Hall. Representing his community with energy and conviction, Luke fought tirelessly to ensure that the priorities of local residents were heard — and acted upon — in a council too often dominated by bureaucracy, complacency, and inaction.
Luke brought a businesslike focus to his work at Durham County Council, holding officers to account, challenging wasteful spending, and pushing for better services in County Durham. As a proud Conservative, he stood up against the cuts to the Winter Fuel Allowance for pensioners, and championed policies to deliver meaningful economic regeneration in deprived communities.
One of Luke’s proudest achievements was his role in delivering funding for new policing tools, including drones used to tackle illegal off-road biking and anti-social behaviour — a practical solution that led to real arrests and a drop in local crime. As Chairman of the Spennymoor Area Action Partnership (AAP), he oversaw targeted funding for local community groups, youth services, and public safety initiatives — making sure resources reached the people who needed them most.
Luke also stood up for the most vulnerable. He championed the Council Tax Reduction Scheme to protect low-income families and pensioners from rising bills, and he passionately opposed plans to strip away this vital support. His speeches in County Hall — especially those defending working people and pensioners from new taxes — were known for being powerful, well-researched, and rooted in lived experience.
Throughout his term, Luke remained accessible and active in the community. He ran regular surgeries, answered hundreds of casework emails, and never shied away from speaking out when something wasn’t right. He led on motions that reflected the real concerns of residents, from road safety and local transport to protecting green spaces and attracting investment into the town centre.
Luke was instrumental in the transformation of Whitworth Park Academy, helping drive its journey from an Inadequate Ofsted rating to Good in just three years. Working closely with school leaders, parents, and the academy trust, he championed high standards and accountability to ensure every child received the quality of education they deserve.
Luke also successfully secured £20 million in Government funding for Spennymoor, helping to unlock new opportunities for regeneration, job creation, and infrastructure improvements. This investment is a vital step in his long-term vision to reindustrialise the North East and restore pride in local communities.
Understanding the importance of safety — especially for women and girls — Luke led efforts to improve street lighting and increase CCTV coverage across key areas in the community. These practical improvements have made public spaces safer and more welcoming, particularly after dark.
Luke consistently spoke up for better access to GPs and NHS dental services, raising the alarm on the growing healthcare crisis in the North East. He worked with residents, NHS leaders, and fellow councillors to demand action from those in power and ensure no one is left behind in accessing basic healthcare.
As a passionate advocate for people living with eating disorders, Luke used his platform to raise awareness, push for better support services, and challenge stigma. He understands the devastating impact eating disorders can have on individuals and families, and worked to make this issue a local health priority.
Luke also led proactive work to childhood tackle obesity and wider public health concerns, promoting education, prevention, and investment in healthier communities. From supporting local health campaigns to pushing for joined-up services, he focused on practical solutions to improve wellbeing for all.
Luke’s time in County Hall proved that politics can work for people when it’s driven by principle, not party. He consistently put his constituents first, challenged the status quo, and laid the groundwork for the bigger changes he now campaigns for on the national stage. His record is one of action, not words.