LABOUR'S Tees Valley Mayoral candidate has promised to utilise a skills budget to build a local workforce for the future.

Sue Jeffrey, who has been campaigning in Darlington today, has promised to work with business, councils and unions in setting out how the Tees Valley ensures it maintains a highly skilled workforce.

The Redcar and Cleveland Borough councillor was on the campaign trail to find out what people want delivering through the mayoral role.

She said: "This is about getting as much information as possible about what people want and what their expectations are. We are not wanting to simply tell people what we are wanting to do, we are wanting to hear directly from the people in the area."

One area she is focussing on is developing the next generation of skilled workers across the Tees Valley.

She said: “We have seen a lot of good news for industry in the last few weeks, and it’s important we build on that. As mayor I will be committing to working with business to ensure the people here in our area have the skills need to maintain our industrial strengths and create new opportunities for growth.

“That joint focusing on supporting existing firms and skilling up the next generation will be vital if the Tees Valley is to thrive. As mayor my priority will be getting our workers the training they need to stay world class, and make sure others have the chance to join them in well-paying jobs.”

Other candidates standing in the election on May 7 are: Ben Houchen, Conservative; Chris Foote-Wood, Liberal Democrat; John Tait, North East Party; and John Tennant, UKIP.