Jeremy Middleton said: “This is a fantastic deal for the North East that will firmly link the region to the Northern Powerhouse. Now it is vital that we ensure the role and powers of the mayor are such that he or she can deliver the maximum impact for the good of our economy. It must not be a token position, or one which is simply there to maintain the status quo. A North East mayor must be a powerful leader that can bring growth and prosperity to the region.
“Devolution will mark a huge change for the North East and will ensure local votes can have an even more significant impact on the future of the region. The Combined Authority and the Government should be congratulated for reaching this game-changing agreement, which marks a new and positive chapter in the political and economic story of the North East.”