MIDDLESBROUGH FC chairman Steve Gibson has publicly declared his support for Conservative MP James Wharton.

The businessman, an OBE, penned a letter posted to residents in Mr Wharton’s constituency of Stockton South ahead of the General Election on June 8.

Mr Gibson wrote: “I have seen how he can access Government and make the case for Teesside and the difference this makes.

“It is good to have a spread of political representation and a voice in Theresa May’s Conservative Government.”

The stance represents something of an about-turn for the Boro chairman who two years ago labelled Mr Wharton a “clown” for his response to the SSI steel plant closure in Redcar.

Mr Gibson also said how important it was to make a success of Brexit negotiations, noting that Mr Wharton was the only Teesside MP to vote leave in last year’s referendum.

:: Also standing in Stockton South are Paul Williams (Labour), David Outterside (UKIP), Drew Durning (Lib Dem) and Jo Fitzgerald (Green Party).