WHEN Ben Houchen, then a Conservative councillor who was an outside bet for the role of Tees Valley mayor, announced one of his key election pledges was to take Durham Tees Valley Airport into public ownership, many people scoffed.

Passenger numbers had plummeted from nearly one million in 2006 to 140,000 in 2015. Majority owner Peel had its own masterplan for the site. How could a politician with a budget of £15m a year make that happen?

The Northern Echo applauded his “bold proposal” but questioned whether it was a sensible prospect for public funds to be used on a struggling regional airport in such tough economic times.

A year on from his election, Mr Houchen is announcing that discussions with Peel about future ownership have advanced so far that a “non-disclosure” agreement has been signed by the parties involved. There is still a long way to go with any potential deal, and clearly it is far too early to judge Mr Houchen’s reign either as a success or a failure.

But it is refreshing to see a politician focusing on the manifesto that got him elected.

His other announcements today include a trade delegation to the Far East, investment funds for small and medium-sized businesses and a careers initiative to link schools and businesses.

Back in February 2017 when he first made his airport pledge, Mr Houchen said “fresh thinking” and a pragmatic approach were needed. Whether or not he pulls off the airport deal, he has certainly delivered that.