Our Newcastle launch, and conversation with Nick Forbes

In July 2024, we took Pride in Leadership to Newcastle for the first time, and received a wonderful welcome at an event hosted by Eversheds Sutherland, and supported by Out of Office and Northern Pride.

We spoke to Nick Forbes, former leader of Newcastle City Council.

Event write up

On a memorable evening in Newcastle, Nick Forbes CBE, a trailblazer in politics and a staunch advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, shared his compelling life story and profound insights on leadership. The event, hosted by Claire Ebrey, Co-Founder of Pride in Leadership, was a gathering of LGBTQ+ leaders and aspiring leaders who gained inspiration from Nick’s remarkable journey, as well as wonderful networking opportunities.

Early life: overcoming adversity

Nick Forbes’ story begins in the rural heart of Weardale, County Durham. Growing up in a small, isolated village posed significant challenges, especially for a young gay boy. “I was bullied badly and horribly at school and I hated it,” Nick recounted. His experiences of being tormented for his sexuality, appearance, and interests were compounded by the oppressive climate of Section 28, a law that banned the “promotion” of homosexuality in schools. This hostile environment left lasting scars, but also ignited a fire within him to fight for a more inclusive society.

Despite the adversities, Nick excelled academically. He achieved nine GCSE grade A’s and one B, a testament to his resilience. However, societal expectations tried to limit his potential. His head of sixth form told him that “kids from my kind of background didn’t go to university.” Undeterred, Nick spent a year working at McDonald’s before pursuing higher education. He studied Social and Political Theory at university, where he became deeply involved in student politics and the LGBT society. These experiences were foundational, teaching him the power of solidarity and collective action.

From student politics to local government

Nick’s involvement in student politics was a turning point. Encouraged by peers, he ran for and won the position of Student Union President. This role, often challenging and demanding, provided him with invaluable insights into leadership and advocacy. It was here that Nick began to understand that “struggles and fights for better equality aren’t just for those people who will immediately benefit, it’s for all of us.”

After university, Nick faced the harsh reality of workplace discrimination. In an era when there were no protections against being fired for one’s sexual orientation, Nick carefully chose to work in the NHS, an environment he perceived as more inclusive. His political journey took a significant leap when he was elected as a councillor in Newcastle in 2000. Representing the area around St James’ Park, Nick quickly realised the potential to make a tangible difference at the local level. “Why would I want to be an MP when I can make a difference here,” he mused, reflecting on his decision to focus on local government.

Leadership and achievements

Nick’s leadership in Newcastle was transformative. He became leader of the Labour group and later, leader of Newcastle City Council. His tenure was marked by a relentless pursuit of inclusivity. One of his proudest achievements was raising Newcastle City Council’s ranking in the Stonewall Equality Index, ultimately making it the top local authority in 2019. This accolade was more than a recognition; it was a testament to the council’s commitment to fostering an environment where everyone could be their authentic selves.

Nick’s approach to leadership was both strategic and empathetic. He learned that true organisational change comes from inspiring people and building coalitions, not merely from top-down directives. By working with where the energy was, and encouraging staff to take initiative, he cultivated a culture of inclusivity organically. This method ensured that the push for equality was not seen as a personal agenda but as a collective goal shared by the organization.

Navigating challenges and embracing visibility

Throughout his career, Nick had to navigate the complexities of being openly gay in various professional settings. He shared poignant and humorous anecdotes about coming out repeatedly, dealing with assumptions, and challenging prejudices. One striking story was his response to a senior management team in the NHS who told him, “We think it’s OK for you to be gay, but please don’t do it in the workplace.” Nick’s sharp retort, “What do they think it involves?” highlighted the absurdity and ignorance he often faced.

Despite these challenges, Nick remained steadfast in his commitment to visibility and authenticity. He believed that being open about one’s identity was crucial for personal well-being and professional productivity. “It takes a hell of a lot of energy to try to be somebody that you’re not,” he emphasised, advocating for environments where people can bring their whole selves to work.

Reflections on broader social issues

Nick’s reflections extended beyond his personal experiences to broader social issues. He expressed concern over the rise of tribal politics and the rollback of rights in various parts of the world. The same discriminatory arguments he heard in his youth are now being used against trans people, a fact that deeply troubles him. “This is all our fight,” he declared, underscoring the importance of solidarity across all minority groups.

Empathy and compassion were recurring themes in Nick’s narrative. He lamented the current political climate, which often lacks these crucial qualities. “One of the big changes that I felt in my time was a move from politics genuinely being about public service…to tribal politics and identity,” he observed. This shift, he warned, threatens to undermine the common struggle for equality and justice.

A call to action for leaders

Nick’s story is not just one of personal triumph but also a powerful call to action. He urged the audience to take personal responsibility for fostering inclusive environments. “Leadership on this isn’t something that somebody else’s responsibility, it’s ours,” he proclaimed, emphasising that everyone has a role to play in creating a more equitable society.

For aspiring LGBTQ+ leaders, Nick’s journey offers invaluable lessons in resilience, empathy, and the power of visibility. His commitment to fighting for equality, not just for the LGBTQ+ community but for all marginalised groups, serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration. As Nick poignantly put it, “If there is a single child in this country who is going to school afraid of what they’re going to face in bullying and discrimination during the school day, we’ve still got work to do.”

Conclusion

Nick Forbes’ story is a testament to the transformative power of leadership rooted in empathy, authenticity, and a relentless pursuit of equality. His journey from a bullied child in rural County Durham to a leader who shaped the future of Newcastle is a powerful reminder that change is possible when driven by a deep sense of justice and solidarity. For the LGBTQ+ community and aspiring leaders, Nick’s message is clear: embrace your identity, fight for inclusivity, and never underestimate the impact you can make.

Photos from the event

Nick Forbes CBE

Nick was the first LGBT Leader of Newcastle City Council, a role he held for 11 years until 2022. He made inclusive economic growth a key priority, helping to create thousands of jobs. He negotiated one of the first ever City Deals with Government, unlocking major development sites in the city centre, and was an early champion of devolution in the Region. Nick led Newcastle to be one of the first UK cities to declare a Climate Emergency and worked hard to embed net zero commitments into every sector and area of city activity. He led the successful bid to establish the North East Community Forest and under his leadership Newcastle was awarded A* status by CDP for two successive years.

He supported Newcastle Pride’s successful bid to host UK Pride, and under his leadership in 2020 the Council was judged the most inclusive employer in the UK, achieving the highest ranking on the Stonewall list (also the first time the No 1 position had ever been won by a local authority).

Nick was also the Leader of the Local Government Association Labour Group for 6 years, and in this role was invited by Sir Keir Starmer to attend Shadow Cabinet meetings, representing the increasingly powerful voice of local and regional government within the Labour Party. He served for 12 years on the National Policy Forum and for 6 years on the National Executive Committee of the Labour Party.

Nick is the Patron of LGBT Labour and was shortlisted as Stonewall Politician of the Year in 2014. He was awarded a CBE in the 2019 New Years Honours list for services to Local Government, which he and his husband Darren were presented with by Princess Anne at Buckingham Palace on their first wedding anniversary.

 

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