This year, for the very first time, a mayor will be elected to represent Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, and County Durham. As we’ve discussed before on the Fenham Hall Studios Blog, big things have been promised from the devolution deal.
Now, we’ve had a look at everything you need to know about the North East mayoral election 2024.
When is the election?
The election is due to be held on May 2, 2024. The same day as local council elections for most of the region.
Why is this election important?
The election of a mayor will mark the culmination of 10 years of negotiations for North East devolution. The deal brings a host of decision-making powers to local leaders, as well as major Government funding . At least £6bn committed so far, with more to come over a 30-year arrangement.
Politicians hope that the agreement will give the North East far greater control over its own destiny. Particularly on crucial issues like transport. It will also provide the region with a stronger voice on the national stage.
What powers will the mayor have?
£6bn worth of Government investment has already been confirmed, including more than £2bn to put into improving the transport infrastructure. Another key transport power is the ability to bring bus services under public control through a franchising scheme, a version of which has been implemented in Greater Manchester.
The devolution deal also includes:
- An investment fund of £1.4bn, or £48m a year, to support economic growth and support regeneration;
- An indicative budget of around £1.8bn, or £60m a year, for adult education and skills;
- £69m of investment in housing and regeneration, unlocking sites to bring forward new housing and commercial development.
And what can’t they do?
The new combined authority, and mayor, don’t replace local councils or assume responsibility for their functions – things like social care, planning, bin collections, parks and libraries.
The North East’s devolution deal also does not combine the roles of mayor and police and crime commissioner. This is because the area covered by the new combined authority overlaps two police areas – Northumbria Police and Durham Constabulary, which also covers Darlington and therefore is outside the NEMCA border.
It is also worth noting that the mayor will not be an all-powerful figure. They will sit at the head of an eight-person cabinet and have the same voting rights as its other members, the leaders of the seven councils.
Who are the main candidates?
Jamie Driscoll – Independent
Mr Driscoll was first to announce his intention to stand for North East mayor. He served for a year as a Labour councillor for Newcastle city centre, before being elected in 2019 as the first North of Tyne mayor.
Kim McGuinness – Labour
Kim McGuinness is currently the Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC). Also a former city councillor in Newcastle, she was first elected to the PCC post in 2019 and was re-elected in 2021.
Guy Renner-Thompson – Conservative
A councillor in Northumberland and a member of the county council’s cabinet, Guy Renner-Thompson beat Sedgefield MP Paul Howell to the Tories’ nomination. He has been a councillor in Bamburgh, where he lives, since 2017 and studied at Newcastle University.
Andrew Gray – Green
A 55-year-old archivist at Durham University, Andrew Gray has been an active Green campaigner in Newcastle for some years. He was brought up in Northumberland and now lives in the Heaton area of the city, where he has been a regular on local election ballot papers.
Irregardless of who our new mayor will be, we’re hoping that the combined authority, and the funding that comes with it, will mean a rosy future for the region in all ways.
But, if you’re looking to establish your business in the burgeoning North East, we currently have available office space at our historic location.
Follow the link for details: https://www.fenhamhallstudios.com/offices-to-let/studio-i/
