PLANS to create a 'free port' in Teesside - which could create an estimated 40,000 jobs in the region by 2040 - were given backing by Conservative leadership contender Boris Johnson today.

The proposals to create low-tax zones around ports has the potential of bringing hundreds of millions of pounds of business investment to an area - and Mr Johnson has listed Teesside as one of just six locations or a free port.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen pressed Mr Johnson on the issue as he visited Guisborough and then Darlington today, and he announced that if he becomes Prime Minister he would roll out free ports across the country as quickly as possible.

Mr Houchen said: “Low-tax Free Zones have the potential to transform the northern economy, attract inward investment, and reshore manufacturing jobs to the UK we haven’t seen in decades."

Mr Johnson confirmed that he had 'fired the starting gun' today on the free port plan as leaving the EU presented an opportunity to transform ports.

His spokesman said that according to studies, free ports could increase employment in the North of England by 150,000.

Mr Johnson said: ‘I welcome this well-written report by Tees Valley Mayor, Ben Houchen. As Prime Minister, I will do everything I can to boost investment and economic success across the entire United Kingdom, and taking advantage of the opportunities afforded by leaving the EU on 31 October to introduce free ports is an excellent way to boost businesses and trade in regions that Westminster has neglected to pay attention to for far too long.’