North East of England may have directly elected mayor. Here's how

Millions of North East residents from County Durham to Northumberland will be able to choose a mayor for the region directly in May 2024 election if the procedure is approved following a local survey.

In a similar capacity to Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen, the person will work to draw business to the region and represent the interests of the local community in negotiations with the federal government and other organizations.

More than £1.4 billion will be guaranteed by the government to the new North East Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) over the course of the next 30 years, allowing the area's two million residents to enjoy the advantages of devolution and allowing the area's new mayor and councils to plan with confidence for the long term.


However, not all political parties in County Durham have embraced the announcement. Labour's attempt to persuade council members to support its preferred alternative of a single county contract earlier this month was unsuccessful. Labour leader Carl Marshall accused the coalition of being "incompetent" for rejecting the chance to get a "once-in-a-lifetime" county deal.



Local government officials would also be granted responsibility over up to £563 million under the city area sustainable transport settlement under the new North East Mayoral Combined Authority to improve local rail services.

Local officials from the North East, including Tracey Dixon of South Tyneside Council and Glen Sanderson of Northumberland County Council, said in a joint statement that this is a big step towards obtaining critical decision-making powers and investment for our area.

They also stated that this would enable us to make choices that take into account local needs and make prudent investments in initiatives that would benefit all of our inhabitants, towns, and local economy.

FAQs:

1. Which regions of England's North East are there?
   The County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside, and Sunderland local authority areas are included in the North East LEP.
2. Is Manchester a part of North Eastern England?
   North West England's Greater Manchester is a metropolitan county and combined authority area.