What is…devolution and a NE Mayor?

As we've shown through our What is devolution? series, 2024 will see the election of a regional mayor. In a deal worth £4.2bn over 40 years, the mayor's powers will stretch across County Durham, Northumberland and Tyne and Wear.

At time of going to press however, only two Labour Party candidates - current North Tyneside Mayor, Jamie Driscoll and Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness - have so far confirmed their intention to enter the race. Candidates from the other political parties are yet to be announced but Conservative Charlie Hoult, 2019 North of Tyne candidate, has ruled himself out.

So, who are Jamie Driscoll and Kim McGuinness and what have they achieved so far? (We'll be bringing you profiles of the other candidates as they are announced!).

JAMIE DRISCOLL

Born: Middlesborough but has lived in Newcastle for over 30 years.

Early life and career: Left school at 16 but later studied engineering at Northumbria University. Worked as a project engineer before becoming company director of Newcastle-based software development business.

Political career: British Labour and Co-operative Party politician elected to Newcastle City Council in 2018 (Monument ward). Currently serving as metro mayor of the North of Tyne Combined Authority. Associated with the left-wing of the party, Driscoll was supported by figures such as John McDonnell and Laura Pidcock as well as Unite the Union, Momentum, RMT, Fire Brigades Union, TSSA and Aslef in his North of Tyne Mayoral campaign.

Running on a platform of community wealth building, a regional green industrial revolution, community hubs, affordable homes and meaningful adult education (read his manifesto here) Driscoll won with 56.1% of the vote but what does he have have planned for the North East if he wins the mayoral election?

KIM McGUINNESS

Born: Newcastle upon Tyne.

Early life and career: Pupil at Gosforth High School, graduated from Newcastle University (studied History). Worked professionally in finance, university and charity sectors.

Political career: British Labour Party politician elected to Newcastle City Council in 2015 (Lemington ward). Joined authority's cabinet in 2016 as executive member for Culture, Sport and Public Health. Elected Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner in 2019, McGuinness is seen as the preferred candidate of the Labour establishment under Sir Keir Starmer.

Running on a platform of preventing a potential rise in crime linked to unemployment and deprivation caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and austerity, McGuinness retained her position of PCC with a majority of 66,000 in 2021 but what does she have have planned for the North East if she wins the mayoral election?