Ad
Friday, October 10, 2025

‘I’m not backing smash scaffold boss’ says MP

ADVERTISEMENT

20110406-183644.jpg

JARROW MP Stephen Hepburn today denied backing the political ambitions of a businessman facing possible prosecution over damage to a housing headquarters in South Tyneside.

John Robertson allegedly drove his 22ft lorry into Strathmore House, the base for South Tyneside Homes, at Viking Industrial Park, Jarrow, because he was angry after losing a contract, which he claims sparked the collapse of his scaffolding firm.

Police have questioned and bailed Mr Robertson, of York Avenue, Jarrow, after he was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage, following last month’s incident.

He is due to answer police bail later this month. The 44-year-old is standing as an Independent candidate for the Primrose ward in Jarrow in next month’s local elections, and it had been reported elsewhere that Mr Hepburn has backed his bid.

But that claim brought a swift denial from the Jarrow MP.

Mr Hepburn told the Gazette: “It has been reported that I have provided a political reference to John Robertson as an Independent candidate in the local elections. This is totally inaccurate.

“As a Labour MP, I only support Labour candidates.

“I provided a personal reference to my constituent, only for the benefit of his solicitor, given the current criminal proceedings against Mr Robertson.

“I am emphatically not supporting his election bid.” A police spokesman said: “A 44-year-old man from Jarrow has been questioned and bailed after a vehicle was driven into Strathmore House on March 20.

“He was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage.”

Isobel Riley, chief executive for South Tyneside Homes, said: “We can confirm that our solicitors are in correspondence with Mr Robertson’s legal advisors regarding a contractual dispute.

“We are, however, appalled that while waiting for the outcome of this dispute, Mr Robertson has apparently seen fit to take matters into his own hands by carrying out this damage to our premises at considerable cost to the public purse, causing inconvenience to our customers and stress to members of staff.

“Reinstatement work of the building and reception area is still ongoing.”

Via: www.shieldsgazette.com

ADVERTISEMENT

Popular Categories

Latest news

The magazine

Issue 27 | Past issues >>

Popular

ScaffChamp 2025: Teams Gather in Vilnius for Opening Day

The international scaffolding competition ScaffChamp 2025 has officially begun,...

Construction starts slump as housing confidence falters

The UK construction industry is facing renewed decline, according...

National Scaffolding Week 2025 launches to celebrate industry’s people and skills

National Scaffolding Week 2025 has officially launched, shining a...

Ethiopia church scaffolding collapse kills at least 30

At least 30 people have died and more than...

Building Britain’s Scaffolding Future

Sean Pike on transforming an industry one system project...

Related articles

Scaffolding makes historic debut at WorldSkills Ireland 2025

Young scaffolders showcase their expertise as the trade is included in the prestigious competition for the first time Scaffolding has been included in WorldSkills Ireland for the first time, marking a significant milestone for...
- Advertisements -

Latest topics

PERI UP system supports cladding remediation at Hilton Hotel

The Hilton Hotel in Kingston upon Thames is undergoing...

Midland Scaffolding staff go the distance in charity challenge for Poppy

Midland Scaffolding Services (MSS) has raised an impressive £20,000...

AT-PAC names new UK MD as ScaffEx25 showcases national ambitions

After unveiling a wave of new systems at Bauma...

ScaffEx25: An Industry Comes of Age in Manchester

Two days in September that showcased not just where...
- Advertisement -