New devolution consultation figures reveal support for £4.2bn deal is lowest in Northumberland

Every part of the region has reported public backing for the historic shakeup of the region’s politics which will see a new North East mayor elected next year.

But newly-released figures show support for the principle of a North East Mayoral Combined Authority was lowest in Northumberland.

Of the 297 responses, 54.9% were in support, with 37.6% against.

There has previously been criticism of the “really disappointing” consultation response – with just 3,235 submissions.

Last week, all seven councils involved agreed to send a report of the consultation’s findings to Levelling Up secretary Michael Gove, ahead of orders being laid in Parliament to establish the new combined authority.

The existing North of Tyne Combined Authority and non-mayoral North East Combined Authority will be abolished, with a mayor of the new body due to be elected in May 2024.