Ben Houchen invites US President Donald Trump to Tees Valley

The Tees Valley Mayor wants the President Elect to visit the region, saying it has much in common with the US' Red Belt states.

In a letter seen by the Sun on Sunday Lord Houchen reportedly writes: “We in the Tees Valley are at the coalface of the real economy.

Ben Houchen. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

“Detached from London and in need of investment, the area I represent is central to the UK Government’s Northern Powerhouse agenda.

“We are enacting the same principles you are in the ‘Rust Belt’ states.

“Please know that you have many admirers here and we hope this term brings even greater success and opportunity for the American people and the special relationship between our great nations.”

Donald Trump. He is also said to express his “heartfelt congratulations on your recent electoral victory - one of, if not the biggest political comebacks in US history”.

Lord Houchen shared the newspaper’s story on Saturday night, posting on X: “Let’s make it happen @realDonaldTrump”.

Let’s make it happen @realDonaldTrump 🇺🇸 🇬🇧 https://t.co/ue3fcaC2eF

— Ben Houchen (@BenHouchen) November 23, 2024

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Donald Trump secured a return to the White House earlier this month when he beat Democrat Kamala Harris by 312 electoral college votes to 226.

He will be inaugurated as President of the United States in January.

Prime Minster Sir Keir Starmer is also expected to extend an invitation to the returning President to visit the UK.