THE man charged with leading the Government’s Northern Powerhouse has launched his drive to invigorate the region’s economy and business landscape.

James Wharton has pointed to a brighter future for the area, saying it will play a crucial role in the Government’s vision for the North.

The Stockton South MP will lead the Conservative’s push to strengthen the North, which is hoped will give the region a louder voice in Westminster when discussions take place about devolving powers to local decision makers to help deliver investment and more jobs, as well as improving transport links.

Bosses at the region’s two main regeneration bodies, Tees Valley Unlimited and the North East Local Enterprise Partnership, have hailed his claims, saying they will work closely with Mr Wharton to push for more spending in the area.

Dismissing previous criticism that the powerhouse is skewed too far towards the North-West and Greater Manchester, Mr Wharton said the North-East is well-positioned to achieve a great deal through its businesses and support organisations.

Using Nissan’s Wearside car making plant as a prime example, Mr Wharton, overseeing the powerhouse as a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, said the region had many successes it could build upon.

He added: “I want the North-East, our LEPs and our councils, to get as much out of the Northern Powerhouse as we can.

“The North-East has already been successful in attracting investment.

“There are some huge projects coming here; Nissan is expanding and Hitachi is bringing train building to Newton Aycliffe.

“What we need to do is look at what powers it needs, so people don’t have to go down to Westminster every time a decision needs to be made.

“I want to ensure the North-East gets the benefits.”

Stephen Catchpole, managing director at Tees Valley Unlimited local enterprise partnership, said the powerhouse could be very exciting for the region, adding it has already starting talking to Mr Wharton about his plans.

Mr Catchpole said: “We are fully behind strategies, such as the Northern Powerhouse, that have the potential to develop the whole of the North to its full economic potential.

“We are already liaising with James Wharton in his new role to help advance the economic prosperity of Tees Valley through the diversification of its industrial base, improved transport infrastructure and capitalising on new technologies, markets and innovation.

“We, along with the local councils and partner agencies, are committed to ensuring finance is secured to assist in the regeneration of Tees Valley, the attraction of inward investment and the growth of home-grown business talent."

A spokesman from the North East Local Enterprise Partnership, which operates from County Durham to Northumberland, also welcomed Mr Wharton’s appointment, saying it will support the minister.

He added: “We are looking forward to learning more details about the Northern Powerhouse and how the North-East can play a full part in contributing to and benefitting from a rejuvenated North of England economy.”