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Labour selects candidate for Tees Valley Mayor role

"I am very proud to be the first woman selected by Labour to stand as candidate in the Metro mayor elections. As mayor I will be a new voice, to speak out, to challenge, and to deliver real change." Credit: Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council

The Labour Party has announced Sue Jeffrey as its candidate for the Tees Valley Mayoral election.

The leader of Redcar and Cleveland Council beat Stockton councillor Chris Barlow following a vote among the area's party members.

Councillor Jeffrey says creating jobs, increasing pay and tackling inequality will be among her goals should she become the first elected mayor of the Tees Valley region in May.

In her speech, Sue Jeffrey said:

Quite rightly there has been a lot of scepticism about the idea of a Tees Valley Mayor and together we made it clear that if we were to go ahead with a mayor we needed a great deal from Government.

Tough negotiations have meant we have secured that deal.

For the first time ever we are bringing powers back to the Tees Valley from London, giving us the freedom to do things for ourselves.

To grow our economy, tackle inequality and make a real difference to the lives of the 660,000 people who live here.

– Sue Jeffrey

Her selection has been endorsed by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who said the Labour Party is "very proud" to have a candidate that "is a local person with considerable standing in her community".