The leaders of the seven councils that agreed a multi-billion devolution deal with the Government have been accused of "arrogance" and "riding roughshod" over public opinion.
Independent councillor Georgina Hill, who represents the Berwick East ward on Northumberland County Council, implied that the process was undemocratic at a full council meeting on Wednesday.
The £4.2bn deal would bring new funding and powers to the region, and see a mayor elected to cover Northumberland, Tyne and Wear and County Durham and was finally agreed between Christmas and New Year after years of political manoeuvring.
