THE North-East's first mayoral candidate has been chosen by the Conservative Party in North Tyneside.
Councillor Chris Morgan, 32, a chartered accountant from Whitley Bay, was elected unopposed to stand on May 2, when the region's first mayoral elections are held. He has represented the St Mary's ward since 1996.
Labour members in North Tyneside are deciding from a four-person shortlist who will oppose him, and the Liberal Democrats will choose their candidate in the New Year.
Elsewhere in the North-East, Labour members are voting on a five-man shortlist in Hartlepool - the winner to be announced on December 21 - and in Middlesbrough they are still compiling a shortlist.
The Tories and Lib-Dems in these two towns are not expected to choose candidates until January.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article