THE Conservative Party’s alleged ‘fetish’ for elected mayors almost derailed Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council’s support for the proposed Tees Valley devolution deal at a meeting today (Wednesday, November 4).

Earlier this month this government announced funding of £450 million over a 30 year period to help establish a Tees Valley Combined Authority, which would include Stockton, Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland councils.

However, the proviso of a compulsory elected mayor to oversee the devolved powers caused concern for members of Redcar and Cleveland Council at a specially convened meeting today (Wednesday, November 4).

Leaders of the five councils signed an agreement in principle to adopt the proposal that could see powers for employment and skills, transport, planning and investment from central government devolved to the Tees Valley.

Today, the Redcar and Cleveland council chamber was filled with members wanting to have their say on the future direction of the proposed combined authority.

Council leader Sue Jeffrey told members that the deal was ‘as good as it possibly could be’ and urged councillors to agree to move forward with the Devolution Deal.

She said the proposal, although not ideal, would help boost the economy of the borough which was left devastated by the recent closure of the SSI steel plant in Redcar.

Independent councillor Mary Lanigan tabled an amendment calling for a referendum asking the borough’s residents if they wanted an elected mayor.

Liberal Democrat Josh Mason said he supported the principles of devolution but was concerned about the powers of an elected mayor.

He said: “I am worried about the Conservative fetish for having elected mayors, no-one has explained to me what the benefit of having them will be.”

Independent councillor Steve Kay also opposed the idea of an elected mayor. He said: “It is strange that local Labour leaders are supporting the deal. Don’t they see it’s a crafty device to transfer the blame for government cutbacks onto themselves?”

The vote for the amendment was defeated 20 votes for to 26 against.

Cllr Sue Jeffrey then urged members to support the original proposal, saying: “I think we have to go with the deal because the only deal that is on the table and we need to be involved in the discussions.”

The vote to accept the deal was carried by 29 votes to 11.

County Durham residents will be given the chance to vote on whether they want an elected mayor for the North-East, it was announced on Wednesday, October 28.

Councillor Simon Henig, leader of Durham County Council and chairman of the North East Combined Authority (Neca), said a countywide poll on the North-East devolution agreement would be held early in 2016.