Metro mayor Ben Houchen has called on MPs vying to be the next Prime Minister to fully commit to levelling up the red wall and left behind areas.

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen has outlined a five-point levelling up pledge that he has urged all candidates to sign.

The pledge includes reforming the Treasury Green Book evaluation process, keeping the Department for Levelling Up and a commitment to the full construction of Northern Powerhouse Rail.

Mayor Houchen said: 'Despite the pandemic progress has been made and no candidate can backslide on the 2019 commitment, red wall voters cannot be ignored.

'The uncertainty of a leadership election cannot lead to uncertainty about the future of levelling up.

'There must be unwavering support for this critical policy - otherwise red wall and left behind areas will clearly and loudly make their feelings known at the ballot box in 2024.'