Dave Budd, Middlesbrough’s elected Mayor, has taken on the role of Chair of the Tees Valley Combined Authority.
He takes over from Sue Jeffrey, Leader of Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, whose tenure has come to an end.
Tees Valley Combined Authority harnesses the economy-boosting powers of Tees Valley’s five local councils and Tees Valley Local Enterprise Partnership to elevate partnership working between the public and private sector to a new level to create an even more effective approach to building a stronger Tees Valley.
Dave Budd said: “I am proud to be taking over from Sue Jeffrey who has done a sterling job in helping to set up the Combined Authority and leading the organisation in its early days.
“Following Lord Heseltine’s report, which was launched this week, it is clear that Tees Valley Combined Authority has many opportunities to drive economic growth and secure investment in key infrastructure and employment projects.
“The devolution deal means that Whitehall resources will be devolved to the area and local decisions will be made on how and where they are spent. By working in partnership we can play a key role in ensuring the Tees Valley reaches its full potential.”
Dave Budd was first elected as a Councillor in 1991, serving as Executive Member for Regeneration and as Deputy Mayor before being elected Middlesbrough’s second directly-elected Mayor on 7 May 2015.