Member Article

Middleton suspends mayoral run following devolution collapse

An announcement from Sajid Javid, the current Communities Secretary and former Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, scrapping the North East’s devolution deal has led to mayoral hopeful Jeremy Middleton suspending his candidacy

Earlier this week four of the seven North East Combined Authority councils decided to suspend plans after fearing a lack of post-Brexit government funding.

Whilst Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland councils remained committed to the vision, Sunderland, Durham, South Tyneside and Gateshead councils were not satisfied with funding reassurances.

Javid said: “Local leaders in the North East Combined Authority have made a clear decision not to proceed with this ambitious and far-reaching devolution deal for their region - while I am disappointed, it is a decision I respect and so that deal is now off the table.

“It is with regret that we have therefore withdrawn the legislation that would have brought this deal to life, which means local people will miss out on over £1 billion of investment, and new powers on transport, planning, and skills.

“Handing power back to Northerners is a key part of our plans to build a Northern Powerhouse and our focus now will be on working to secure a new agreement for residents in those areas committed to progressing with devolution.”

Jeremy Middleton

Responding to this, Jeremy Middleton - who had been running as an Independent candidate - has since released a statement as follows:

“This is devastating news for the North East, our local authority leaders have let us down.

They have turned down billions of pounds in investment for the sake of their own careers. After so many delays it is no surprise that the Government has finally called their bluff.

In light of this news I have made the decision to suspend my mayoral campaign but will continue to actively campaign for devolution for our region.

The North East’s leaders, both in politics and business, need to concentrate on getting the best deal for the region they can.

I remain committed to the belief that a mayor-led devolution is the best and most accountable way to bring powers and budgets from London to the North East.“

What next?

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More reaction to follow.