Gateshead Council's Reform UK leader Nick Allan has rejected the Quays arena plan without a better deal. The council leader expressed concerns about revenue from ticket sales benefiting Ticketmaster rather than Gateshead. Allan stated that his party had made 'absolutely no decision' on the future of the arena but said his party is 'not convinced' by the arguments in favour of it. He raised concerns about revenue from ticket sales benefiting the likes of Ticketmaster rather than Gateshead and said that spending from concert-goers would likely be of more benefit to the 'party city' of Newcastle across the river. The Dunston Hill and Whickham East councillor pointed out that the owners of the Utilita Arena in Newcastle are planning to invest £65 million into upgrading it and claimed there was no need for a competing and 'inferior' venue in Gateshead. He also suggested that a mixed development including housing and business uses 'may have a better effect in terms of spreading wealth'. Telling colleagues that he was due to meet North East mayor Kim McGuinness on Friday to discuss the matter, Coun Allan said: 'We are not prepared to put any more money or consideration to this until or unless the mayor comes up with a better argument and better financial package than she has.'