RAY Mallon has been re-elected as Mayor of Middlesbrough.

The independent candidate won with 50.4 per cent of the total vote.

His re-election comes after weeks of controversy where secret recordings were leaked in which he used foul language and slurs.

He since apologised for his remarks but refused to resign despite pressure from rivals.

Today, he retained the seat which he has held since 2002.

He faced opposition from Labour candidate Michael Carr, Conservative Lloyd Cole-Nolan and Chris Foote-Wood for the Liberal Democrats Upon re-election, Mallon said: "The next four years are going to be very interesting we have to make Middlesbrough a destination and a place.

"I would like to thank the public at large for their support and to the candidates for a very brave battle, their chance will come again."

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