Labour scoops North East Mayor role
Former Northumbria PCC Kim McGuinness has won the North East Mayoral election
Last updated 3rd May 2024
Labour's Kim McGuinness has won the election for the role of North East Mayor.
It's the first time the region - including Newcastle, Sunderland, Gateshead, North and South Tyneside, County Durham and Northumberland will all be represented by one devolved mayor.
Former Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness beat closest rival - the Independent Jamie Driscoll, who had held the role of North Of Tyne Mayor for the past few years.
In the first contest for the new mayoralty, Ms McGuinness secured 185,051 votes, defeating Mr Driscoll by a margin of just under 60,000 votes.
In her acceptance speech, Ms McGuinness thanked activists, her staff as Northumbria's police and crime commissioner, and her family.
Speaking to us before the results were announced, Jamie said whoever won must fight for the region;
"We need the North East to be standing up to Westminster because we are always left behind and we know that."
"There's a lot that needs to be done - so fixing the transport system won't be easy.
"Every candidate in this election's made a lot of promises, whether they can deliver remains to be seen."
Steven Patterson, the Chief Executive of NE1 said;
“Congratulations to Kim McGuinness for her resounding win. The appointment signals a huge opportunity for Newcastle and the wider region.
"We look forward to working with Kim over the next five years to realize the city’s ambitions and shape a new future for the North East.
“It is fantastic to see the local authorities coming together and working for the common good.
"We are optimistic that the new mayor and the Combined Authority will act as a major catalyst for change in the city and will inject new dynamism, enthusiasm and momentum into regional projects that are already in train, as well as bringing new ideas and a clear vision for the city and the wider North East.”