The controversial process to select a Labour candidate to run as the first mayor of the new North East combined authority has whittled the candidates down to two.
The party has revealed its shortlist for the top job, with favourite and current Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuiness coming up against former North East MEP Paul Brannen.
Whoever wins will go into the mayoral race as heavy favourites to lead the new combined authority covering Northumberland, Tyne and Wear and County Durham.
