North East Mayor Kim McGuinness has appointed a Deputy Mayor as council leaders take on portfolio responsibilities at the North East Combined Authority.
Cllr Martin Gannon will be Deputy to Kim McGuinness, North East Mayor, to make decisions if she is absent.
At the last Cabinet meeting of the North East CA other local council leaders were also confirmed as portfolio holders across a range of key local priority areas.
The Cabinet met in Gateshead on 11th June which as well as the Mayor and Council Leaders includes Lucy Winskill, representing the business community, and a voluntary and community sector representative, Martin Brookes.
Seven portfolios have been chosen to address the key challenges that are faced in the region such as reducing child poverty, improving public transport and helping more people into work.
The portfolios have also been designed to champion the best the North East has to offer, from attracting more companies to do business here, welcoming more tourists to cities, coasts and countryside and, supporting new industries.
Each portfolio will be led by a Leader of one of the seven local authorities, which make up the North East Combined Authority. The Cabinet are recommended to approve the portfolios:
- Education, Inclusion and Skills - Cllr Tracey Dixon, Leader of South Tyneside Council
- Transport - Cllr Martin Gannon, Leader of Gateshead Council
- Culture, Creative, Tourism and Sport - Cllr Amanda Hopgood, Leader of Durham County Council
- Economy - Cllr Nick Kemp, Leader of Newcastle City Council
- Finance and Investment - Cllr Michael Mordey, Leader of Sunderland City Council
- Housing and Land - Dame Norma Redfearn DBE, Elected Mayor of North Tyneside
- Environment, Coast and Rural - Cllr Glen Sanderson, Leader of Northumberland County Council
There will be strong collaboration across each of the portfolios. In addition, the themes of environment, digital, public sector reform, and addressing health inequalities, are woven throughout all activity.