Mr Middleton said: “Mick and I may be members of different political parties, but I respect his experience and leadership, especially on the big issues facing our region.
“Mick worked hard for the people he represented and rightly took the decision to sign a devolution deal for the North East, which would have benefitted Gateshead for the long-term.
“He is a forward thinking politician who puts people before party. I hope his successor also choses to reject isolationism and works to keep Gateshead at the top table in the North East.”