McGuinness agreed the role of championing the region went beyond a single mayor. Elected in 2024, she became the first North East mayor and represents just under two million people.

Shadow business secretary Andrew Griffith says the UK needed to be prioritising the US over Europe as the Lib Dems call on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to begin talks with the EU to undo Brexit.

Sir Keir Starmer has praised the "real progress" in the UK's relationship with Germany as he welcomed Chancellor Olaf Scholz ...