The Conservative Party have announced their candidate to be the new North East Mayor who is to be elected next spring.

Northumberland County Councillor Guy Renner-Thompson was selected by Conservative party members in the North East today (November 26) to go on the ballot on May 2, 2024.

Upon his selection, Mr Renner-Thompson has said should he be elected he would create a new Mayoral Development Corporation, a regional transport strategy and a small business grant scheme.

He said: “As someone from the North East, it is an honour to be selected as the Conservative candidate to try to become the first North East Mayor.

“This is a huge job and a huge opportunity for the whole region to grow and thrive and one I’m passionate about.

“I know this is an election we can win especially with a good set of ideas and ideals.

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“The new Mayor will have all the right tools to be able to get the investment the region needs, but it’s about getting the right person in to pull these levers.

“If elected Mayor, I will deliver for all of the North East and be a champion for the area here, and across the world,” he added.

Mr Renner-Thompson will now go up against independent candidate Jamie Driscoll and current Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness.