THE chief executive of Northern Stage has become an internet phenomenon after taking politicians to task on the BBC’s Question Time.
Erica Whyman’s grilling of the panel became one of the most popular topics on social network twitter and she “trended” in the UK.
During the programme held in Newcastle, she won applause as she warned the Government was harming the region with its policies while the South East raced ahead. She began with a question to the panel, asking: “Do you agree that regions like the North East are the UK’s equivalent of the southern Europe states that are in so much trouble? And if you do, when are you going to bail us out?”
Her question was answered by the panel which included Stephen Pollar, editor of the Jewish Chronicle, Scottish Secretary Michael Moore and Labour Treasury spokeswoman Rachel Reeves.
Ms Reeves said the Northern Stage boss was “absolutely right” the economy benefited from teachers, doctors and nurses ensuring a health and well-educated workforce.
Defending Labour’s record, she added there had been “huge regeneration” in cities like Newcastle while businesses like Nissan had been supported.
Read Eric Whyman’s column in The Journal on Monday.
