“A Voice for People”: Prudhoe Mayor Angie Scott on Disability, Inclusion and Her Political Journey

Prudhoe Mayor Angie Scott has turned personal experience into political action. From advocating for SEND families to creating inclusive youth projects, she’s on a mission to break down barriers—and has her sights set on even bigger change.

When I was young, I wrote a letter to Theresa May expressing my admiration for her honesty, integrity and courage in conviction when facing the challenges of Brexit. Although an unpopular opinion in many people’s eyes (though I do feel history will regard her more highly than contemporary analysis), in an ever-changing political climate these qualities provided me with reassurance—a hope that regardless of the outcome of her efforts, the country had someone willing to stand by her beliefs in the face of adversity, and who would try to act rather than make empty promises. My interest piqued, I have come to admire the convictions and integrity of a range of politicians of all colours: Jeremy Corbyn, Jamie Driscoll, Lisa Nandy and Ed Davey to name a few—individuals whose convictions and campaigning guide their politics for what they believe to be the public good. Having met the Mayor of Prudhoe, Angie Scott, I have found in local politics an admirable campaigner, with conviction and passion to serve.

The beginnings of her activism are perhaps two-pronged: as a mother of a child with additional needs, she experienced the difficulties and barriers both children and those caring for them face when attempting to access what the rest of society sees as normal activities. Secondly, she worked in healthcare, providing support to those with learning disabilities, eventually returning to education to become a qualified Nursing Associate. Her awareness of barriers to health, education and society is both personal and professional, and her passion to help dissolve these barriers should come as no surprise.

She entered politics eight years ago, becoming a councillor before being elected Mayor of Prudhoe on May 23, 2024. A passionate campaigner and disability activist, she has spent years advocating for the educational, social and welfare needs of SEN children and their families. This passion for change saw her join the SEND Reform England protests. SEND Reform is a non-profit organisation that holds protests and drop-in events aiming “to support and empower parent-carers of children and young people with special educational needs.” She was part of a demonstration outside Newcastle Civic Centre in January 2024 to campaign against government plans to cut funding for EHCPs (Education, Health and Care Plans). An EHCP is a document detailing needs and adjustments for children and young adults, enabling them to access education with specialist support until the age of 25. The Local Government Association in 2024 noted that there were 575,963 plans in place for children. Cutting EHCPs would put children at risk of losing vital support such as teaching assistants and speech and language therapy.

A passionate advocate for social justice, rather than see EHCPs restricted, she wants to see access expanded. As Mayor and councillor, she says she “brings it up in County Hall all the time”—calling for more support and better signposting for families. She wants every young person and their family to know what is available and where they can get help, so that “everyone has a right in society… to a fair system.” On a personal level, she is a vocal advocate for increasing visibility and availability, often speaking with and contacting constituents directly.

Angie’s son Joseph has additional needs and was diagnosed with autism in 2022 at the age of 16. As a mother, she fought for the best education for her son, whose secondary schooling was through a specialist provision in Morpeth, around 30 miles away. Realising that in Prudhoe there was “nothing to offer” Joseph was a key factor in the rise of her campaigning credentials. She worked with local mothers to create the youth service Happy Faces, “an inclusive group providing social activities for children with special needs along with their siblings.” Although this was a step in the right direction, Angie wanted a group open to all the youth of Prudhoe where “everyone was invited”—encouraging social mixing and integration of disabled and non-disabled children. As a councillor, she went on to help create Prudhoe Youth Project, which offers inclusive activities for “any child with any need.” The intention is for the Youth Project to absorb Happy Faces, taking the experience and expertise gained into a wider and more inclusive forum this year.

Looking ahead, Angie is focused on the Government’s PIP proposals and water safety, but is currently pushing her Labour colleagues to create special needs hubs in schools. She envisions a Prudhoe where SEND learners and mainstream learners can play, learn and socialise together. The Department for Education noted in 2024 that the number of SEN units had increased from 373 to 392. Although pleased by this growth, Angie worries that the social isolation of young learners persists when these units are separate environments within schools that do not encourage integration—a reality I saw firsthand with my own twin brother who has additional needs. While the data suggests more schools are accommodating children with SEN, Angie notes: “I find it really strange that just because you’ve got a learning disability you should go and socialise with people with learning disabilities.” This lack of integration highlights the need for inclusive groups like Prudhoe Youth Project to break barriers and promote inclusion in wider society.

When asked what she is most proud of as Mayor, Angie says she is “proud of everything” she has done, and of being “a voice for people.” She recognises the importance of early opportunities to shape young people’s aspirations and achievements. She aims to continue supporting education and employment needs, helping people reach the goals they set for themselves. Most of all, she works to remove the physical and environmental barriers to integration, so that society can progress into a truly inclusive community.

There is a widespread disconnect among young people when it comes to national politics. A 2025 YouGov survey found that only 2% of people had a lot of confidence in the system of governance. It is refreshing to see a conviction politician who uses her platform to address issues facing young people. She is working hard to balance inequalities on her doorstep but has her eye on the bigger picture. When asked if she would like to go further and become an MP, her answer is simple and delivered with the same conviction as her local politics: “Yes.”