Gateshead MBC's leader has revived hopes of a north-east devolution deal by accepting that an elected mayor for the entire north-east region may be necessary.

Labour leader Martin Gannon told The MJ he would accept the imposition of an elected mayor but only in exchange for resources and ‘real powers' over transport, economic development and education.

Ministers took a north-east devolution deal off the table in 2016 after Gateshead, Sunderland City Council, Durham Council and South Tyneside MBC voted against it, leaving three breakaway North of Tyne authorities - Newcastle City Council, North Tyneside MBC and Northumberland Council to strike a deal with the Government a year later.

Cllr Gannon said it was a ‘pretty shabby deal' but that he had recently spoken to Mayor Driscoll about the possibility of expanding devolution in future.

He said: ‘The offer that was made way back didn't really give anything in terms of powers or functions.

'One person being elected to cover an entire region is fundamentally undemocratic.

‘We in Gateshead would consider that because we're not stupid.

'What we want is a pluralist system that represents more than one interest.

‘You don't get everything you want.

'I accept that there's a negotiation.'

But Cllr Gannon pointed out that he had had no conversations with the Government, adding: ‘There's speculation all over the place.

'Nobody has told me anything.

'Gateshead's position remains completely and totally absolutely the same.'