A former MEP has promised to make the North East the greenest area in England if he becomes the region’s mayor.
Paul Brannen has told Labour Party members that there is “no bigger threat, no bigger opportunity” than the climate breakdown. Mr Brannen is one of two candidates on a final shortlist of hopefuls vying to secure Labour’s nomination for the North East mayoral election next year, though Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness is the heavy favourite.
The selection contest has been dominated by a war of words over the exclusion of the left wing North of Tyne mayor, Jamie Driscoll, which unions last week branded a “monumental own goal” for Sir Keir Starmer. Having waited until he made the shortlist before outlining his vision for the mayoral jobs, which will cover County Durham, Tyne and Wear and Northumberland, Mr Brannen has made a series of “green revolution” pledges.
