NORTH-EAST Labour MPs last night said there were "risks" and "reservations" with Ben Houchen's Durham Tees Valley Airport plans, but accepted the need to make the hub a "thriving success story".

The politicians were reacting after the five Labour council leaders of Darlington, Stockton, Middlesbrough, Hartlepool and Redcar and Cleveland all signalled their intention to back the plan.

Darlington MP Jenny Chapman said: “I, like many others in Darlington, want Teesside Airport to be a thriving local success story - I have always been on record as saying so.

“I have now had time to go through the business case put forward by Tees Valley Mayor last week, without doubt - it has risks, however, having spoken to many constituents, fellow MPs and leaders in our region on this matter, it is clear to me that this deal has the support of the majority of them.

“Having an international airport on our doorstep will be a huge boost for the local and regional economy. I for one will be doing all I can to ensure that the airport is future-proofed and that the £80m from the public purse that makes up this bid is returning good value for money for my constituents.

“I am pleased the leaders of the five Tees Valley regions have agreed to support this deal and wish the airport every success going forward.”

Redcar MP Anna Turley said: "A strong local airport connecting Teesside to the rest of the world is something we all want. It is especially important for rebuilding the local economy and supporting the businesses and industries reliant on it.

“Clearly the plan on the table to buy the airport and invest in it involves a lot of public money – £75m of funding which our local council leaders fought hard for and for which there are many competing priorities in this area. They have been right to take their time to weigh up the benefits and risks of this approach before committing taxpayers money.

“I sincerely hope the buyback plan will work and deliver the successful airport we all want.”

Middlesbrough MP and shadow transport secretary Andy McDonald said: "The Labour leaders of our local authorities, who set up the Tees Valley Combined Authority, and who negotiated the Tees Valley devolution deal, are tasked with acting in the best interests of the Tees Valley and I have every confidence in them. It seems that they will approve the all or nothing budget of the Tees Valley Mayor covering both the former SSI site and STDC, as well as the airport proposition and they have my support.

"I totally get the emotional and potential economic case for the airport. I want our airport to sustain and grow but I have had, and still have, very serious reservations about the financial and business case that underpins the Mayor’s plan and await further details and developments with great interest.”