Newcastle Lord Mayor Dr Ross Kerridge has announced he will retire from office, citing ongoing health challenges following cancer treatment. In a statement released today, Dr Kerridge said that while his treatment is progressing well, the side-effects remain significant and have made it impossible for him to continue fulfilling the demanding responsibilities of the role. “Although I had hoped to return with renewed energy and work collaboratively with all councillors for the people of Newcastle, it has become clear that I no longer have the capacity required to meet the challenges of the position at this time,” he said. Dr Kerridge said his...