Newcastle's new council leader has declined to comment on the future of St James' Park, as the debate over whether Newcastle United will stay at their historic home or relocate continues to dominate local discussion. The club's next move could significantly impact the new Liberal Democrat administration at Newcastle City Council.
The possibility of a new mega stadium on Leazes Park, the city's oldest public park, has already sparked a petition with over 28,000 signatures calling for its protection. Councillor Colin Ferguson, recently appointed leader of the council's minority Lib Dem administration, stated he does not want to place "roadblocks" in the way of the Magpies' success but refrained from sharing his personal preference.
"My position remains what it always has been. I cannot speculate on the shape of thin air; the club needs to say what they want to do, and then we need to have a look at it," Ferguson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
When asked if he shared former Labour leader Karen Kilgour's preference for the club to remain in the city centre, Ferguson emphasised the collective desire for the club's success. "Everybody wants the football club to do well... A thriving Newcastle United is a benefit to the city as a whole. I am not going to try and put roadblocks or barriers in the way of the club doing well."
The council's relationship with the club has faced scrutiny since the 2021 takeover by a consortium led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF). Critics have urged city leaders to condemn human rights abuses in Saudi Arabia and accused the state of sportswashing. Previous council leader Kilgour had condemned abuses but argued it was a matter for the UK Government, not the local council.
Ferguson adopted a firmer stance, stating he would "not be shy" in speaking up. "We are always going to need to have a productive relationship with [the football club's] local leadership... When it comes to human rights abuses and breaches of international law, then I will not be shy in calling that out. But we also have to recognise where the council sits in all of this. We don't have any control over who owns the club, so I will not be shy about calling out things that I think are wrong if it comes to it."
