BUSINESS tycoon Sir John Hall will stand for election to a regional assembly if the North-East votes in favour of the proposal later this year.

The man who built the MetroCentre - Europe's biggest indoor shopping mall - and was chairman of Newcastle United FC, last night confirmed his intentions to The Northern Echo.

The 71-year-old said: "I feel so passionately in favour of a regional assembly for the North-East that I would stand for election if it was formed.

"We are being given a real chance by Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott to elect people to represent the interests of the whole region.

"I have no political persuasions, so would stand as an independent candidate and hope people of all persuasions would do so a body was wholly representative of the people. I have followed politics and often had opinions but have never been tempted to stand for election until now."

Sir John was knighted by the former Tory leader Margaret Thatcher and during the 1980s was described as one of her favourite businessmen.

He has been converted to the cause of regional government by living and working in Spain and Germany.

He said: "I have fought all of my life for this region and feel I could use my enthusiasm and experience in the private sector to go for growth of the economy.

"We have a distinctive image, which I want to see us build on and increase pride.

"I've travelled abroad a lot and seen regional governments work elsewhere. They can help develop strong culture, sports, tourism, housing and transport which this region deserves."

Referendums on whether the North-East and Yorkshire want mini-parliaments of their own are expected to be held on October 21, and confirmation of Sir John's intentions will be seen as a boost for the pro-assembly campaign, which has yet to set the region alight.

Professor John Tomaney, chairman of the Yes campaign, said: "We are delighted. People will see that things will not just be business as usual, but that regional government can attract people of the highest calibre. Sir John has a deep passion for the region, which could be of huge benefit to a regional assembly."

Neil Herron, director of North-East Against a Regional Assembly, said: "Around 95 per cent of business people and the ordinary man in the street says 'no' and there are already fears it would just be a Geordie Parliament."