Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove to sign North East devolution deal

Mr Gove will sign off the £1.4bn deal which will see all seven local authorities in the North East unite to form a new combined authority.

The region will get more power over issues including transport, education and skills, and housing and regeneration.

Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, County Durham and Northumberland are all involved in the agreement.

The Levelling Up Secretary is expected to sign the deal after lunchtime today (Friday, January 27).

Speaking after the deal was announced on December 27 Mr Gove said: “Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove said: “I’m proud to have agreed a historic new devolution deal with the North East that gives local leaders more power, more money, and an even greater say on how their areas are run.

“Devolution is all about letting leaders who live and breathe the region decide what is in their best interests, for their people and for their businesses.

“A new mayor will ensure local priorities in the North East are at the heart of decision-making, while our billion-pound funding boost will provide the financial certainty needed to level up the area right now and for years to come.”

Michael Gove (Image: PA)

Elections to chose a new mayor to lead the authority are set to be held in May 2024, with the mayoral race having unexpectedly kicked off on Thursday (January 26).

Labour’s Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness became the first candidate to throw her hat into the ring.

The move is likely to have caused tension in the Labour Party, with North of Tyne Mayor Jamie Driscoll also expected to launch a bid to for the new job.

No other candidates are yet to announce their intention to stand for the role.